India has approved the Online Gaming Bill, making betting on apps a punishable offence. The Bill aims to regulate online gaming platforms under legal guidelines and curb gambling through strict rules and penalties.
The Union Cabinet passed the Bill on Tuesday, giving the government authority to block illegal or unregistered sites. The move follows previous measures like the 28% GST on gaming apps in 2023 and a 30% tax on profits since 2024–25.
In 2024, new provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita made unauthorised betting a criminal offence, carrying seven years in jail and heavy fines. However, gambling remains a state subject, meaning state governments hold final authority on enforcement.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry also directed TV channels to carry disclaimers warning of the financial risks of betting. The Education Ministry urged parents and teachers to create awareness about the dangers of gambling apps. Between 2022 and 2025, over 1,400 betting apps and sites were banned.
The Bill must now pass in the Lok Sabha. It also aims to distinguish free-to-play from pay-to-play formats and separate skill-based games from chance-based ones, supporting the growth of esports and video gaming.
Telangana has seen tragic cases linked to online betting, with 24 lives lost in just 18 months. Several Telugu celebrities who endorsed such apps unknowingly were warned and instructed to avoid such promotions in the future.
