Rajya Sabha passes Online Gaming Regulation Bill amid opposition protests

New Delhi, August 21: The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, despite protests and sloganeering by opposition members during the session.

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The bill, which had already been passed by the Lok Sabha, was moved for consideration and passage in the Upper House by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Explaining the key components of the legislation, Vaishnaw stated that the bill addresses three categories within the online gaming sector: E-sports, Online Social Gaming, and Online Money Gaming. Of these, the government aims to promote and encourage the first two categories—e-sports and online social gaming—while introducing regulatory measures to address risks associated with online money gaming.

"Today, Parliament has passed a bill that safeguards middle-class families, youth, and students from the growing threat of online money gaming," Vaishnaw said. "It also supports the growth of e-sports and socially beneficial online gaming by establishing a regulatory authority."

He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and members of Parliament for supporting the bill, describing it as a step towards protecting families and encouraging responsible gaming practices.

In response to opposition protests, Vaishnaw criticized their conduct in the House. "We are always open to discussion and will continue to be. But the opposition has repeatedly shown disregard for democratic norms and constitutional processes. Disrupting parliamentary proceedings has become their consistent approach," he stated.

Despite the uproar in the House, the bill was successfully passed and is now set to shape the regulatory framework for India’s growing online gaming industry.