Online Games News

When a phenomenon turns into a mass menace, the state must intervene, regardless of what elites say. There’s poetic justice in calling out real money online gaming for what it is and acting against it.

The new law bans all forms of online money gaming, casting an existential question over the sector. Heads Digital Works says it infringes on its fundamental rights to trade, equality, and livelihood.

India’s new law banning real-money gaming apps could wipe out over $1 billion in ad spending, hitting cricket sponsorships, streaming, and social media campaigns.Ad agencies are scrambling to fill the gap, with consumer goods, e-commerce, and auto companies seen as likely replacements.

The ban will end India’s open betting frenzy but can’t escape the law of unintended consequences. As addicts look elsewhere for their fix, the off-radar use of crypto—India has nearly 100 million wallets—will likely stoke capital outflows and make it harder to detect money laundering.

The online gaming bill targeting real-money games jeopardizes a sector that’s attracted a host of global investors, including Tiger Global, ChrysCapital, and DST Global, and $2.8 billion in funding over just 5 years.

India's online gaming industry faces a potential complete ban as a draft bill is proposed in the Lok Sabha. Mint chalks out the start of online gaming startups in India, key milestones, GST hurdles, state bans and more.