Summary
- India has taken a decisive step by passing a bill aimed at eliminating all forms of online gambling.
- The President has yet to sign the measure, despite Parliament's support.
- India hopes that a total ban might put an end to gambling, yet history tells us a different story.
India is making a bold leap forward by initiating a ban on online gambling across the nation. This sweeping move, which targets real-money games, fantasy sports, poker, and other skill-based activities, comes on the heels of decisive action from India's Lower House of Parliament, which recently voted to advance the measure.
Online gambling in India won’t get regulated anytime soon
Reuters reports that the Upper House has also backed the measure, leaving the final decision with the President to sign it into law. Critics contend that India's resistance to gambling stems from a lack of understanding. Although regulation is weak in the country, some areas of the industry have maintained high standards of customer care. Observers warn that banning fantasy sports betting will only bolster the offshore market. Billions are already wagered abroad, and the problem could worsen if India eliminates platforms that offer consumer protection. Popular skill games like poker and rummy won't just vanish because the government declares them illegal. Instead, players will flock to other platforms, many of which may lack proper safeguards for consumers. Even the threat of fines and jail time is unlikely to deter millions of players committed to gambling online.
The government is showing a unanimous front on banning online gambling
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 boldly proposes to put an end to all promotional efforts and advertisements linked to gambling. In an unexpected move, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has publicly endorsed the bill, stating: It is the responsibility of the government and parliament to take decisive action against social ills that persistently resurface. Yet, if we look beyond our borders, we can see a pattern: when governments overstep by trying to restrict or ban the gambling industry, they often unintentionally fuel the very problems they aim to eradicate.
