#SupportOnlineGaming Trends as Industry Faces Existential Crisis Over Proposed Ban

Lucknow, August 20 (TNA) India’s vibrant online gaming community erupted in protest on social media today, driving the hashtag #SupportOnlineGaming to the top of national trends. The move comes after the Union Cabinet approved the Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which seeks to ban all real-money games—regardless of whether they involve skill or chance.

Industry players warn the consequences would be dire: a sector employing over 2lakh people, contributing more than ₹20,000crore in GST annually, and supporting over 50crore gamers faces a wipeout if the bill passes in its present form.

Leading platforms like Dream11, Games24x7, Winzo, and My11Circle say that the measure, if enacted, will push legitimate users to illegal and unregulated sites, increasing risks of fraud and addiction while erasing jobs and investments.

Gaming bodies have urgently appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other policymakers, arguing for progressive regulation rather than prohibition. They stress that the blanket ban threatens not only the industry’s economic future but also undermines India’s growing reputation as a global gaming hub.

With the bill listed for debate in the Lok Sabha, millions are voicing their concerns, hoping policymakers heed the call for balanced, responsible governance that encourages innovation, safeguards user interests, and sustains India’s digital economy.