Will the Online Gaming Act be Enforced Soon?

New Delhi, Sep 1 (NationPress) The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which has received approval from the Parliament and the President, is set to be officially announced shortly, according to Electronics and IT Secretary S. Krishnan on Monday.

While addressing the media at an ICEA event focused on semiconductors, the Secretary revealed that all necessary measures are being implemented to expedite the enactment of this legislation.

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 new law aims to impose a comprehensive ban on the offering, operation, facilitation, promotion, advertising, and involvement in online money games, while also focusing on the regulation and promotion of social, educational, and esports games.

Under the Bill, an online game played as part of multi-sport events, featuring organized competitive matches between individuals or teams, is classified as an “e-sport”. These competitions, recognized by the National Sports Governance Act of 2025, are conducted in multiplayer formats with established rules.

In light of the government's actions, numerous online money gaming platforms, including Dream11, Pokerbazi, and Rummy Circle, have suspended their money gaming competitions.

The Electronics and IT Secretary also emphasized that the semiconductor industry is a critical area for India, and it is a source of pride that the country will see the rollout of its first commercial chip this year.

Union Minister Vaishnaw mentioned last week that India aims to develop global-scale capabilities to deliver top-quality products in the market. The nation plans to manufacture every component necessary for mobile devices, including chips, cover glasses, laptops, and servers, establishing itself as a significant player in electronics production.

During the inauguration of India’s first tempered glass manufacturing plant for mobile devices in Noida, the minister highlighted that the electronics manufacturing sector in India has grown sixfold over the past eleven years, achieving a production value of ₹11.5 lakh crore, exporting over ₹3 lakh crore, and providing direct and indirect jobs for 2.5 million individuals.

He asserted that the value addition is gradually improving, and the entire electronics ecosystem in the nation is rapidly evolving.

The US-based Corning Incorporated and Optiemus Electronics have collaborated to set up this facility, which will produce premium tempered glass under the renowned “Engineered by Corning” brand.