The Lok Sabha on Wednesday, August 20, cleared the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, soon after it was introduced by Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The legislation adopts a two-pronged strategy—promoting esports and social gaming as growth sectors, while imposing strict curbs on money-based online games.
In a landmark move, the Bill grants official recognition to esports as a sport, placing it on par with cricket, football, and other established disciplines. It defines esports as skill-driven contests, where performance depends on strategy, agility, and mental sharpness rather than chance.
To strengthen the ecosystem, the government has outlined measures such as state-backed tournaments, dedicated research centres, training academies, and incentive programmes aimed at nurturing emerging talent in the sector.
