India Moves to Ban Online Money Games over Addiction Fears

According to the draft Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, reviewed by Reuters, no person will be allowed to “offer, aid, abet, induce or otherwise indulge or engage in” online money games or related services.

The bill, running 13 pages, defines an online money game as one requiring users to deposit cash with the expectation of winning monetary or material rewards.

The Indian market for such games is projected to reach $3.6 billion by 2029, according to venture capital firm Lumikai. The sector has attracted major foreign investment, boosted by endorsements from high-profile cricketers and aggressive marketing.

Fantasy cricket platforms have seen the largest surge in popularity. Dream11, valued at $8 billion, and Mobile Premier League (MPL), worth $2.5 billion, dominate the industry, data from PitchBook shows.

On Dream11, players can pay as little as 8 rupees (10 U.S. cents) to build fantasy teams, competing for prize pools as large as 1.2 million rupees ($14,000). Activity typically spikes during the Indian Premier League, one of the world’s biggest cricket events.

The government argues that the games pose both psychological and financial dangers. India’s IT ministry, which drafted the bill, did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while MPL and Dream11 also declined to comment.

“Such games often use manipulative design features, addictive algorithms ... while promoting compulsive behavior leading to financial ruin,” the bill said.

Violators could face jail terms of up to three years and financial penalties if the law comes into force.