India’s Gaming Ban Fuels Fears of Unregulated Market & Economic Risks
NEW DELHI – A sweeping ban on online games involving monetary wagers in India is sending ripples through the tech industry and raising concerns about a potential surge in illegal gambling activity. The Modi administration’s move, enacted through the “Bill on Promotion and Regulation of Online Games,” aims to curb addiction and economic losses, but experts warn it could inadvertently push users towards far more dangerous, unregulated platforms.
(Photo: Reuters, 2025 – Illustrative image of smartphone use in India)
From Fantasy Cricket to the Black Market: A Rapid Shift
The ban targets “real money games” – apps where users deposit funds and win prizes – including popular fantasy sports platforms like Mobile Premier League (MPL) and Dream 11, as well as traditional card games like Rummy and poker. These platforms, once valued at an estimated $3.6 billion (approximately 530 billion yen) by 2019, have largely ceased offering prize-money games in compliance with the new law. But the demand hasn’t disappeared; it’s simply being driven underground.
“Because of its addictive nature, many users will move to overseas platforms and find another way to release dopamine,” explains Viren Hemrajani, an analyst at Mumbai-based fantasy cricket platform. He warns of a significant increase in fraud, as users flock to unregulated apps often disguised as legitimate shopping sites offering illegal coins and tokens. The risk isn’t just financial; there’s no guarantee of payouts, even for legitimate wins.
The Allure of Skill vs. Chance: A Contentious Debate
The gaming industry argues that fantasy sports, in particular, are games of skill, not gambling, and therefore shouldn’t be subject to the same restrictions. Players assemble virtual teams based on real-world athletes and earn points based on their performance. However, critics contend that the element of chance – the unpredictable nature of sports – makes these games fundamentally akin to betting. The government echoes this sentiment, citing instances of families losing savings and tragic cases of suicide linked to gaming addiction.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes gaming addiction as a behavioral disorder, characterized by loss of control, prioritization of gaming over daily life, and continued play despite harmful consequences. This underscores the genuine concerns driving the ban, even as its effectiveness is questioned.
Bypassing the Ban: VPNs, Cryptocurrency, and the Rise of Telegram
The ban isn’t foolproof. Tech-savvy players are already finding ways around it. Reports indicate a surge in the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access overseas gaming sites. Others are turning to cryptocurrency wallets – outside the reach of Indian regulators – to deposit and withdraw funds. Even PayPal is being explored as a potential workaround. Perhaps most alarmingly, solicitations for illegal gambling are exploding on messaging apps like Telegram, according to 24-year-old Barun Sharma, a long-time fantasy sports enthusiast who has won as much as 1.2 million rupees (approximately 2 million yen) in a single game.
“My heart is about to burst and I can’t move forward,” Sharma lamented, reflecting the frustration and desperation of players cut off from a pastime they enjoyed.
Industry Fallout & Legal Challenges
The ban is already having a significant economic impact. MPL has announced plans to lay off approximately 60% of its Indian workforce. Several gaming companies, including A23, have filed lawsuits challenging the legality of the ban, but the Supreme Court of India has yet to set a hearing date. Venture capital firms like Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners, which have heavily invested in the Indian gaming industry, are facing substantial losses.
A Call for Nuance and Responsible Regulation
Legal experts like Nandan Kamato, a Bengaluru-based sports and gaming lawyer, argue that a complete ban is a blunt instrument. He advocates for a more nuanced approach, including limiting game time, spending limits, and responsible deposit/prize ratios. “It can be clearly argued that a complete ban on skill gaming is an unfair limit on both expression and career choice,” Kamato states. He emphasizes the need for digital health programs to address addiction and stronger enforcement against harmful, unregulated markets. The potential for growth through technology, AI, and data analytics remains significant, and Kamato believes gaming companies may adapt and re-strategize to navigate this new landscape.
The Indian government’s decision to ban real money gaming presents a complex challenge. While addressing legitimate concerns about addiction and financial risk, it risks driving a thriving industry into the shadows, potentially creating more problems than it solves. The future of gaming in India hinges on finding a balance between regulation, innovation, and the rights of its millions of players.

