India Cabinet approves Online Gaming Bill to ban money-based gaming

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Online Gaming Bill, a sweeping framework meant to regulate digital gaming platforms and make online money-based betting a punishable offense. The measure envisions a central regulatory architecture, tight controls on financial transactions, and penalties for operators and promoters, with the bill slated for introduction in Parliament in the coming days. Officials say the move aims to address fraud, addiction, and inconsistencies across states while safeguarding national interests and providing a clear distinction between entertainment-oriented games and real-money offerings.

Key provisions of the proposal would ban all money-based online gaming, regardless of whether the game relies on skill or chance. No bank or financial institution would be permitted to process funds for such services, and advertisements for real-money gaming would be restricted. The framework would empower authorities to block unregistered or illegal sites and designate a central regulator, likely MeitY, to oversee compliance and enforcement. The draft also contemplates penalties for individuals involved in unauthorized online betting, including potential...