The Centre has called a meeting with key stakeholders at 4 pm today, August 29, to discuss framing rules for the newly enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, according to reports. The consultation is expected to bring together government officials, industry representatives and policy experts to finalise the contours of the regulatory framework.
Parliament passed the Online Gaming Bill on 21 August, banning all forms of real-money gaming in India. The legislation marks a decisive policy shift, seeking to shield citizens from the dangers of predatory gaming practices that often lead to addiction, financial ruin and social distress. At the same time, the law is designed to promote innovation in non-monetised online gaming, recognising its growing role in India’s digital economy.
Industry faces existential crisis
The law has, however, triggered alarm across India’s real-money gaming sector, which had grown rapidly in recent years. Estimated to be worth $25 billion, the industry provided direct and indirect employment to thousands and invested heavily in marketing and digital services. Industry expeerts warn that the sudden prohibition could force nearly 400 gaming companies to shut down.
Fintech sector also impacted
The ban’s impact extends beyond gaming. Real-money platforms contributed significantly to India’s digital payments ecosystem, particularly through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
According to estimates, real-money gaming accounted for Rs 20,000 crore in monthly UPI transaction volumes, a flow that could disappear almost overnight. This sudden drop raises concerns about broader effects on the fintech sector, which had become closely linked with online gaming transactions.
Supporters of the law argue that the government has taken a necessary step to safeguard families from exploitative platforms that capitalised on misleading promises of instant wealth. However, critics warn that a blanket ban could stifle innovation, push activity underground, and deprive the exchequer of potential tax revenues.