India’s Online Gaming Bill 2025 defines distinction between real money games & gambling

The Union Government has introduced the ‘Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025‘ in Lok Sabha. The Bill seeks to promote and regulate esports, educational and social games while completely prohibiting the offering, operation, facilitation, advertisement, promotion and participation in online money games.

The Bill defines “E-sport” as an online game played as part of multi-sport events and involves organized competitive events between individuals or teams, conducted in multiplayer formats governed by pre-defined rules and recognized under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. It points out that outcomes of e-sports are determined solely by players’ skills such as physical dexterity, mental agility, or strategic thinking. Participation may involve entry fees and performance-based prizes, but no bets, wagers, or gambling are allowed.

Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming called the government’s intent to recognize and promote esports, as highlighted in the recent bill, an encouraging step ...