India’s government is considering a ban on online games played for money, a move that could heavily impact the booming gaming industry. The proposed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, reviewed by Reuters, cites potential psychological and financial harm from such games and prohibits offering or facilitating them.

The bill defines online money games as those where users deposit money with the expectation of winning cash or other rewards. Violations could carry up to three years in prison and fines.

The sector, valued at billions of dollars, has gained popularity through fantasy cricket apps like Dream11 and Mobile Premier League, which attract users with small entry fees and large prize pools. The government has long raised concerns over the addictive nature of these games, especially during major tournaments like the Indian Premier League, Reuters reported.