Online Gaming Bill 2025: Trouble For Games24x7? Will It Be Banned In India After Gaming Bill Passed In The Lok Sabha
With the passing of the Online Gaming Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha, questions are rising about the fate of Games24x7, the company behind popular platforms like RummyCircle and My11Circle.
Since the Bill bans all forms of online money gaming, RummyCircle – a platform involving monetary stakes is directly impacted. Even though rummy has often been defended as a “game of skill” in courts, the Bill eliminates this distinction, banning both skill- and chance-based money games.
Key Provisions Affecting Games24x7
Rummy, poker, and similar card games, even if skill-based, fall under real-money gaming, making them illegal under the Bill. Fantasy sports under My11Circle also face uncertainty.
Impact on Platform
- Core revenue from rummy and poker may vanish overnight.
- The platform may pivot to educational or skill-based social games without cash stakes.
- Unless Games24x7 pivots towards esports or social gaming, its existing cash-based formats could face serious legal restrictions once the Bill becomes law.
What Is Online Gaming Bill 2025?
On August 20th, 2025, the Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw tabled the Online Gaming Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, even as the Opposition continued its protests. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was passed by voice vote. Outlining the objectives of the bill, the Union Minister said that the government aims to promote online social games and esports.
The bill prohibits all forms of online money gaming, regardless of whether it is based on skill, chance, or a combination of both. However, esports and social games are allowed with subscription-based access. The legislation, introduced earlier in the day, was cleared after the Cabinet approved it.
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 prohibits online games that involve monetary stakes, due to concerns such as financial losses, addiction, etc. It imposes a blanket ban on all forms of online betting and gambling. This includes: Fantasy sports, Card games such as poker and rummy, Online lotteries.
Additionally, it also restricts advertisements promoting such games. Banks and financial institutions are barred from processing or facilitating transactions related to these games.
Violators may face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, once the bill is passed in both the Houses of Parliament.