New Law Targets Online Gambling, Protecting Youth and Preventing Financial Ruin: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently defended the newly enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, emphasizing the governmentS commitment to safeguarding the nation’s youth and addressing the detrimental effects of online gambling. While acknowledging that gaming itself isn’t inherently negative, the Prime Minister highlighted the dangers of online games that incorporate gambling elements, citing instances of debt and even suicide linked to these platforms.
During an interaction with teachers in New Delhi,Modi explained the law was a “major decision” prompted by the negative influence of certain online games on students and the devastating financial consequences experienced by families. He noted that many applications marketed as games are, in reality, vehicles for gambling.
The Act, passed by both houses of Parliament last month and spearheaded by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, specifically bans all forms of online money games – those requiring monetary deposits with the expectation of financial rewards. It aims to differentiate between harmful gambling and legitimate activities like esports and social gaming, fostering growth in those areas.
The legislation also prohibits advertising for online money games and prevents financial institutions from processing transactions related to them. Violators face penalties of up to three years imprisonment or a fine of ₹1 crore.
PM Modi underscored the government’s “political will” in enacting the law, driven by a concern for the country’s future. The Center is expected to release the rules and FAQs for the Act within the next three to four weeks, following initial consultations with industry representatives led by Minister Vaishnaw.