Rajya Sabha Passes Online Gaming Bill, Targeting Money Games

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill has been successfully passed by the Rajya Sabha. This occurred on Thursday, concluding the Monsoon Session, and followed a prior passage in the Lok Sabha. The bill’s core objective is to regulate online gaming, specifically targeting platforms that facilitate money-based gaming, while also supporting the e-sports sector and social online games. The introduction of the bill took place on Wednesday, with Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, providing an introductory statement. The bill progressed through the lower house despite facing opposition. Key provisions of the bill include a ban on advertisements for online money games, restrictions on financial transactions related to these games, and the prohibition of online betting and gambling, encompassing games like poker, rummy, and fantasy sports.