The Lok Sabha passed The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, on August 20, 2025, by a voice vote, aiming to ban real money gaming, including fantasy sports and card games where users risk money. The Bill addresses social, financial, and psychological harms, particularly among youth and economically disadvantaged groups, citing issues like addiction, financial ruin, and potential fraud in online money games. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the Bill’s importance in the national interest, highlighting cases of suicides and family devastation. The legislation also establishes an authority to promote e-sports as a creative industry. Despite no prior public consultation, the government claims industry engagement and confidence in the Bill’s legal standing, though experts predict constitutional challenges from the gaming industry.