India’s parliament has approved a sweeping law banning online gambling, following government data showing that 450 million people lose a combined $2.3 billion annually on apps
The ban affects platforms offering card games, poker, and fantasy sports, including India’s highly popular homegrown fantasy cricket apps. Authorities said about a third of the country’s population has lost money through online gambling.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, passed by both houses of parliament late Thursday, criminalises the offering, promotion, and financing of such games. Offenders face up to five years in prison.
“This legislation is designed to curb addiction, financial ruin, and social distress caused by predatory gaming platforms that thrive on misleading promises of quick wealth,” a government statement said.
While India’s gaming industry remains one of the world’s largest markets, the law exempts e-sports and educational games, which the government plans to promote as part of the digital economy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the law will “encourage e-sports and online social games” while protecting society from the harmful effects of online money games.
Industry groups had called for regulation and taxation rather than a blanket ban, warning that players could turn to illegal offshore platforms. Supporters of the bill countered that the social costs of gambling—financial distress, addiction, and even suicide—are too high to ignore.
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Good riddance to bad rubbish
Too bad