India has officially banned online gambling for real money. Parliament recently passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which makes it illegal to offer, promote, or finance games such as online poker, rummy, and fantasy sports. This is a significant step, given that India is home to one of the largest online gaming markets in the world, with an estimated 450 million players.
For years, India attempted to regulate the industry rather than prohibit it. Courts often ruled that fantasy sports were “games of skill,” which allowed huge platforms to flourish. Different states introduced their own rules, while industry groups pushed for self-regulation. However, these efforts failed to address widespread problems. Government data showed online gambling companies were taking in around $2.3 billion annually, often from players who could not afford their losses. Reports of debt, addiction, fraud, and money laundering linked to online gambling grew more frequent.
The new act introduces sweeping changes to how online gaming is handled in India. Real-money fantasy sports, card games, and poker are now completely banned, making it illegal to offer, participate, or promote these platforms. The bill moved quickly through parliament. It was passed by both houses in August 2025 and received presidential approval soon after, formally becoming law. The bill passed amid significant controversy as it faced strong opposition from both political leaders and industry groups. Critics in parliament argued the government pushed it through too quickly, bypassed state authority, and ignored earlier court rulings that separated “games of skill” from gambling. Outside, protests erupted in cities like New Delhi, with gaming company employees and industry bodies warning that a blanket ban would destroy jobs, wipe out billions in tax revenue, and push players toward unregulated offshore platforms. Despite these objections, the government has stood by the law, citing addiction, financial distress, and even suicides as reasons the ban was necessary.
Since the ban, major platforms have suspended real-money games, stopped new deposits, and allowed only withdrawals of existing balances. Sports sponsorships, including Dream11’s deal with India’s national cricket team, are now uncertain, while some companies have reduced operations or laid off staff. Early signs suggest some players may be turning to unregulated offshore platforms to continue gambling.
Approaches to online gambling differ around the world. The UK and Australia regulate and license operators with consumer protections, while U.S. states have varying rules, some allowing online betting and others banning it. Countries like China and Japan enforce near-total prohibitions, prioritizing social and financial protections over industry growth. For India, the coming months will show whether this bold step achieves its intended social goals or creates new complications for the gaming industry and players alike.
