Summary
- In the final days of August, India took a significant step forward as the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, secured legislative approval. Now, it stands at the threshold of becoming law, awaiting only the president's signature to seal its future.
- When online gambling was banned, it set the stage for a fresh search for a new title sponsor for the national cricket team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India took the lead in spearheading this important initiative.
- Potential bidders must meet specific criteria; those involved in tobacco, alcohol, betting, gaming, and cryptocurrency industries are excluded from participating.
The sweeping legislative reforms transforming India's online gambling arena are creating ripples far and wide. From triggering layoffs at real money gaming companies to the quest for a new title sponsor for India's national cricket team, last month's approval of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, has ushered in a new era of change.
Online gambling ban results in a search for a new primary sponsor for the National cricket team
The country's parliament has taken a decisive step by approving a new law that sets the stage for a complete ban on online gambling. Now, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act of 2025 awaits the president's signature to take effect. Despite this, the journey towards eliminating online gambling from the nation has already begun, ushering in a wave of changes that cannot be reversed. In a significant move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which oversees the nation's beloved sport, has launched the bidding process for the coveted Lead Sponsor Rights for the Indian National cricket team. This process includes an Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI) for these rights, open from September 2 to September 12, 2025. Prospective bidders must submit their documents by September 16, 2025. To express interest through the IEOI, they are required to pay a non-refundable fee of INR 5,00,000, approximately $5,700.
Gambling, alcohol, tobacco and crypto companies are barred from bidding for title sponsor
A vital part of the bidding process involves specific restrictions tied to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025. The BCCI has made it clear in their recent statement: Any bidder, including its Group companies, must not be involved in online money gaming, betting, or gambling services, nor offer such services to anyone in India or globally. Additionally, they should not hold any investments or ownership in entities that provide betting or gambling services in India. To further clarify, the BCCI states: Any bidder or their Group companies engaged in activities prohibited under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 cannot submit a bid. The governing body also outlines certain prohibited Brand Categories, which restrict certain types of businesses from participating in the IEOI. Alongside betting and gambling services, companies involved in cryptocurrency and alcohol production are also barred from bidding, as well as tobacco companies and other businesses likely to clash with public morals, such as those related to pornography. Local media have reported that the ban on online gambling already had a significant impact, leading to job losses with hundreds laid off in recent months. While some real money gaming operators are exploring opportunities in new markets, others are diversifying their services and venturing into new business areas.
