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IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on August 21 said the government will extend support to individuals who may lose jobs following the ban
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. (File Image)
Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on August 21 said the government will extend support to individuals who may lose jobs following the ban on online money gaming platforms.
Addressing concerns about layoffs, Vaishnaw said, “We will make all attempts to support the people who are affected by it.” The ban, enforced through the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, is expected to hit several real-money gaming (RMG) companies that have drawn significant domestic and foreign venture capital in recent years.
Explaining the rationale, Vaishnaw noted, “When there is a large social issue affecting youngsters and middle-income families, the government has to choose people over industry.” On whether firms would be granted a transition period, he added, “Let the law take its own course. Everybody in the country must follow the law of the land.”
While prohibiting money-based games, the government remains committed to promoting esports and online social games, which Vaishnaw described as “good for society.” He said developers would be supported with better tools, technologies, and easier access, adding that suggestions from industry stakeholders would also be welcomed.
Meanwhile, leading RMG platforms such as Dream11 (Dream Sports), Gameskraft, Mobile Premier League (MPL), and Zupee have already begun suspending money-based contests.
The RMG sector generated about $2.4 billion in FY24, contributing the bulk of India’s $3.8 billion gaming industry revenue.
Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a…Read More
Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a… Read More
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