India Makes Money-Based Online Game Ban Regulations, Can Fine IDR 2 Billion

JAKARTA - The Indian government will ban online games that use money, both those that rely on skills and luck through its latest online game regulation draft.

Based on drafts verified by TechCrunch and Reuters sources, the draft, dubbed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, will limit online games involving real money bets and prohibit advertising or financial transactions.

"No bank, financial institution, or other party facilitates financial transactions or fund authorization that may engage, allow, assist, encourage, or in any way facilitate payments for money-based online gaming services," the draft reads.

Based on a recent report from venture capital firm Lumikai, India's online gaming industry generated USD 3.8 billion (IDR 61.8 trillion) in the 2023 2024 financial year, of which USD 2.4 billion (IDR 39 trillion) came only from money-based games.

The bill restricts banks and other financial institutions from allowing transactions of native money games in the country. Where anyone offering this game can face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 10 million rupees (Rp. 2 billion) or both.

In addition, celebrities promoting such games on any media platform will also be subject to imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of 5 million rupees (Rp1 billion).