India’s parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill on Thursday, outlawing online gambling platforms, including card games, poker, and fantasy sports like popular cricket apps, following reports of $2.3 billion in annual losses from 450 million citizens.
The legislation, which awaits presidential ratification, criminalizes offering, promoting, or financing such games, with penalties of up to five years in prison.
It raises questions about the sponsorship of India’s national cricket team, as Dream11, the country’s largest fantasy sports platform and the team’s lead sponsor since July 2023, faces uncertainty.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated, “The BCCI will comply with all central government policies.” Dream11 announced on Friday that it has discontinued cash-based games but urged users to “stay tuned” as other games remain active pending the law’s formal enactment.
The government described the bill as a response to “predatory gaming platforms” causing addiction, financial ruin, and social distress through deceptive promises of wealth.
Approximately one-third of India’s population has lost money to online gambling, with links to fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing, according to officials.
The law distinguishes between harmful money-based games and permissible e-sports or educational games, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi said will be promoted to support the digital economy while protecting society.
Industry groups advocated for regulation and taxation over a total ban, warning that it could push users to illegal offshore platforms.
However, supporters emphasized the severe social costs, including widespread financial distress and suicides, justifying the stringent measures.
