A Turning Point: Cabinet Clears Landmark Bill

The Union Cabinet has approved the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, scheduled for introduction in Parliament on August 20, 2025. This bill aims to ban all forms of real money gaming (RMG), regardless of whether they are based on skill or chance. It prohibits operators from offering, promoting, or processing transactions related to pay-to-play gaming services. Alongside enforcement powers such as warrantless search and arrest, the bill also proposes establishing a central authority to oversee permissible gaming formats like e-sports and casual games.