When Will the Online Gaming Act Come into Force?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act aims to regulate online gaming.
- Ban on online money games to protect consumers.
- Focus on promoting esports and educational games.
- India's semiconductor sector is set for growth.
- Manufacturing capabilities are expanding in the electronics industry.
New Delhi, Sep 1 (NationPress) The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which received parliamentary approval and has the President's assent, is set to be enacted shortly, according to Electronics and IT Secretary S. Krishnan. Speaking at an ICEA event focused on semiconductors, the Secretary stated that all necessary measures are underway to implement the law swiftly.
During the monsoon session, Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which successfully passed through both legislative houses.
The law aims to regulate and promote social, educational, and esports gaming while imposing strict bans on the offering, operation, facilitation, promotion, advertising, and participation in online money games.
The term “e-sport” within the Bill refers to online games played as part of multi-sport events, featuring organized competitive matches between individuals or teams. These competitions, adhering to established rules, are acknowledged under the National Sports Governance Act of 2025.
In response to the government's actions, several online money gaming platforms, such as Dream11, Pokerbazi, and Rummy Circle, have halted their money gaming contests.
The Electronics and IT Secretary emphasized the significance of the semiconductor sector for India, expressing pride that the first commercial chip produced in India is scheduled to be launched this year.
Union Minister Vaishnaw remarked last week that the nation is focused on developing global-scale capabilities to deliver top-quality products. India aims to manufacture all components utilized in mobile devices, including chips, cover glasses, laptops, and servers, establishing itself as a significant player in electronics manufacturing.
While inaugurating India's first tempered glass production facility for mobile devices in Noida, the minister highlighted that the electronics manufacturing sector has expanded sixfold over the last eleven years, achieving a production value of Rs 11.5 lakh crore, with exports exceeding Rs 3 lakh crore, and creating 2.5 million direct and indirect jobs.
He noted that value addition is steadily improving and the entire electronics ecosystem is rapidly evolving.
The facility, established through the collaboration of Corning Incorporated from the US and Optiemus Electronics, will produce high-quality tempered glass under the renowned “Engineered by Corning” brand.