India’s ban on online real-money gaming is prompting concerns about a possible industry shutdown, with an expert warning that GST relief could be reversed and investment may leave gaming firms. The source also says e-sports may benefit from the change.
Operators and investors face potential disruption as the ban takes effect and could affect tax relief and capital flows.
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India’s law banning real-money gambling took effect on 1 October 2025. A promotional commentary argues the ban could reduce investment in sport and push users towards offshore gambling, while citing estimates of the sector’s former tax contribution and potential economic gains from legalisation.
Real-money gaming apps remain available on Apple’s App Store in India despite the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025, while major platforms including Dream11 and MPL have halted services. The law covers games involving entry fees, deposits or stakes for financial returns; the source says regulators are examining platform compliance, but identifies no specific authority or decision.
India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill (2025), introduced in the Lok Sabha on 19 August and approved by the Rajya Sabha two days later, would prohibit online games involving payment or stakes for a cash win. President Droupadi Murmu must sign the bill before it becomes law; critics cited in the coverage argued the ban could shift betting to unregulated channels.
India’s parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, which still requires presidential approval before taking effect. Operators are reportedly seeking to challenge the measure and have called for distinctions between game types, including skill-based games and opinion trading.
India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, passed in mid-August, bans paid online gaming, reportedly. All India Gaming Federation chief executive Roland Landers said the law could affect free-to-play developers, independent studios and smaller businesses as well as real-money gaming companies. The federation said it expects further guidance on the rules’ effect on free-to-play games and esports.