To regulate online gaming, the Central Government has introduced a bill called the “Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill,” which has been passed in the Lok Sabha. The purpose of this bill is to promote online social games and e-sports while controlling online gaming activities. According to the newly passed bill, players who participate in online money games will not face any punishment. However, service providers, advertisers, promoters, and those financially supporting such games will be penalised. Here are the punishment details and the powers given to authorities under this new bill.
No punishment for online game players
According to sources quoted by ANI, there will be no punishment for individuals who play online games, even if money is involved. The Online Gaming Bill, presented in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, aims to promote e-sports and online social games while restricting online money gaming services, advertisements, and related financial transactions. The government has clarified that the bill’s objective is to completely ban offering, operating, or facilitating online money games.
Government to promote online social games
Earlier, e-sports had no legal recognition in India. Now, after discussions with stakeholders from the online gaming industry, the government plans to promote e-sports as a legitimate form of competitive sport. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will set up a proper framework to regulate and promote e-sports in the country. Similarly, online social games will also receive government support.
Online money games considered a social threat
According to officials, online money gaming has become a major social concern. There have been numerous cases of suicides, violent incidents, fraud, and financial scams linked to such games. Families have been ruined due to heavy losses and addiction. The government believes that by banning money-based online gaming, it can reduce financial losses, gambling-related addiction, and tragic incidents like suicides.
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Punishment details under the bill
Once the law is implemented, strict penalties will apply to companies and individuals involved in offering, promoting, or facilitating money-based online gaming:
- Offering or facilitating money games → Up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to ₹1 crore
- Advertising money games → Up to 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to ₹50 lakh
- Financial transactions related to money games → Up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to ₹1 crore
- Repeat offences → 3 to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to ₹2 crore
Additional powers for authorities
Offences under this bill will be cognisable and non-bailable. The Central Government will also empower authorities to:
- Investigate digital and financial transactions linked to illegal gaming
- Search and seize digital assets or property involved in offences
- Enter, search, and arrest suspects without a warrant in certain cases
This bill aims to regulate the online gaming industry, support e-sports, and protect citizens from financial and social harm caused by money-based gaming.