Online Gaming Bill: What is e-sports? Promotion, regulation and penalties – All you need to know – India News

The Cabinet on Tuesday gave nod to the online gaming bill that officially recognises e-sports, while also placing strict limits on online games that involve money. The draft, called The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, is likely to be tabled in the Parliament today. The purpose of this Bill is to encourage competitive digital sports while reducing the social risks linked to gambling-style platforms.

How to define e-sports?

E-sports has been defined as “competitive games of skill played in virtual environments with rules and recognition.” This definition makes it clear that e-sports are different from money-based games, which are described as “games played online with stakes or wagering of money or money’s worth.”

The government in December 2022 gave esports official recognition as a “multisport event” under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Provisions and Regulation: What does the Online Gaming Bill propose for e-sports?

• The draft suggests creating a National e-Sports Authority to oversee and promote competitive gaming. This body will make rules for fair play, set standards, ensure that regulations are followed, and work with state governments to include e-sports in their policies.
• The bill also highlights how e-sports can boost the economy by bringing in both foreign and domestic investment, generating jobs, and helping India become a global centre for competitive gaming.

E-sports vs online social games vs online money games

The Bill makes a clear difference between e-sports, online social games, and online money games. Online social games are digital games played on the internet that do not involve money or stakes. These games will have to be registered with a new regulatory authority, which will maintain a list of approved games, check compliance, and issue guidelines on what formats are allowed.

In contrast, the Bill completely bans online money gaming, whether it is based on skill or chance. Such games are considered harmful and addictive. Any platform or individual running or promoting them can be blocked under the Information Technology Act, 2000, which lets the government restrict access to illegal online content.

The Bill also proposes the creation of a National e-Sports Authority. This body will register online social games, oversee e-sports, and work with law enforcement to stop illegal gambling. It will also have the power to inspect, investigate, and enforce rules to ensure strict compliance.

Esports in India has expanded through big tournaments that bring together large audiences:

• ESL India Premiership is one the major tournaments that has several popular games.
• Indian Gaming League is an annual competition which also attracts a crowd of thousands of participants.
• Commonwealth Esports Championship 2022: India had made its mark in the E-sports arena when it won the bronze medal in Dota 2, which was held alongside the Commonwealth Games.

What are the penalties for betting in E-sports?

The bill includes strict punishments to stop betting in e-sports. Any person involved in promoting or taking part in betting within e-sports or online social games can be fined and may also face jail time.

The Bill aims to protect users from harmful gaming practices while encouraging healthy growth of the industry. By supporting e-sports and safe online games, the Bill might create new opportunities for investment, job creation, and innovation, while ensuring that gambling-style platforms do not exploit players or cause social harm.

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