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The Lok Sabha has recently passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025 which prohibits money transactions through online gaming platforms. Even though e-sports and online social games are encouraged, no financial fraud or cheating will be tolerated. However, will that dismantle the country's sports industry, especially cricket?

 

Firstly, let's find out what the bill will offer and what it will restrict. Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had divided the online gaming space into three sectors- Esports, Online Social Games and online money gaming.

 

The bill has no issue with the online gaming space and acknowledges esports and other online games as a space to engage the youth. Ashwini also said that he will be aiding the game developers; however, a legal framework was missing. He pointed out how his money laundering gaming apps have been deceiving families financially, leading to around 32 suicides in the last 31 months.

 

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Measures against online money gaming:

 

Online money gaming normally requires the players to deposit a particular amount of money and play for cash rewards. If the claims are not met, the deposited cash gets forfeited. Even in many apps, the players are not allowed to withdraw the cash unless they reach a particular amount. The online gaming has been addictive and often leads to financial disasters, mental health disorders, and increasing risks of fraud and exploitation.

 

The bill imposes:

 

complete ban on all kind of applications that offers operates or facilitates online money games. This includes all online Real Money gaming apps like Poker, Rummy, cart games and even apps like Dream XI that involve betting on cricket.

Banks and other financial institutions are prohibited from aiding transactions for such cases.

No online games will be allowed to air or broadcast advertisements.

 And finally, the bill allowed service providers to undergo three years of imprisonment or fine upto 1 crore. For advertisers, they may have to pay a fine of around INR 50 lakhs or undergo 2 years of jail.

 

How will it affect Indian cricket?

 

The Indian cricket team has been associated with several fantasy betting apps like MPL (Mobile Premier League) and currently Dream11.  Currently, Dream11 holds India's title sponsor rights for around ₹358 crore, while My11Circle pays a staggering INR 625 crore for a five-year deal with the country's marquee league, the Indian Premier League.

 

Not only that, a report from PTI suggests, several Indian cricketers are personally endorsed by these betting apps, getting crores from them. Sports Lawyer Vidushpat Singhania claimed that Indian cricket wont have havoc effect, but 

 

"the personal sponsorship market can shrink because of this bill. Fan engagement will also be affected.” 

 

Will betting apps be affected by the bill?

 

First of all, with the government encouragement, the esports industry will rise. Notably, they have already reached the Olympic level, gearing up to make their first appearance in 2027 Riyadh ESports Olympics. 

 

However, the hardcore betting apps will decline. Even the Indian team will not suffer much to find sponsors; the app holders have to take a different path. Several sources have revealed that the apps are looking to let users have free entry, which may decrease the earned revenue. Singhania explained to PTI,

 

“There will be a subscription fee and say you pay ₹100 for a gaming app and test your skills in fantasy gaming. But real money gaming which is paying and earning money, that is prohibited as per this bill.”

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