Parliament Passes Online Gaming Bill Banning Money Games, Promoting E-Sports

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Parliament on Thursday passed the Online Gaming Bill, aimed at banning all forms of money-based online games while promoting e-sports and social gaming.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressing the media after the passage of the Bill, said the legislation was intended to provide relief to families concerned about the rise of gaming addiction. “Today, the House has brought relief from the addiction of online gaming which was spreading among middle-class families, youths, and students,” he stated.

The Minister added that the Bill takes a differentiated approach by prohibiting online money games while supporting e-sports and online social games that are seen as constructive and beneficial. “A bill, to promote e-sports and online social gaming which is beneficial for the society, has been passed. I would like to thank all the members of the Parliament,” Vaishnaw said.