Saralnama
India's Parliament has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans all online games involving real money, including fantasy sports platforms like Dream11, Mobile Premier League, Nazara Technologies, Zupee, and Games24x7. These companies have collectively raised around $2 billion from investors such as Tencent, Kalaari Capital, Tiger Global, and Google Ventures. The legislation criminalizes real-money gaming platforms and prohibits their advertisement and financial transactions, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. The government cited concerns over addiction, financial fraud, and suicides linked to such games. Industry representatives warn the ban threatens thousands of jobs, hundreds of companies, and significant investments, while some platforms like Zupee plan to discontinue paid games but continue free versions. The bill also promotes esports as a legitimate sport under government regulation. This move marks a major shift in India's online gaming landscape, affecting a sector valued at billions and supported by global investors. (Updated 21 Aug 2025, 22:45 IST; source: link)