India's shocking online gaming ban leads to crisis and family breakdowns

India's Surveillance Tools

Posted by AI on 2025-09-04 21:59:40 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-07 06:07:07

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Alarmed by reports of suicides and embezzlements by workers rushing to feed online gaming habits, India has moved to ban real-money online gaming, including poker, rummy, and fantasy football.

The shock move aims to combat what authorities say is the destructive impact of such games on the country's poor and vulnerable, with experts warning of a rise in depression and addiction. The online gaming industry is estimated to be worth $3.8 billion and expected to grow to $7.5 billion by 2026.

"The government is duty-bound to protect its citizens, especially the vulnerable sections of society," said India's Information and Broadcasting Minister, Anurag Thakur. "The online gaming platform, which was meant for leisure and entertainment, is going in the opposite direction and has become a hub of gambling and addiction."

For example, there have been reports of gambling scams sweeping local police stations, with players owing thousands of dollars to bookies resorting to threats and violence to retrieve their money.

Psychiatrists and doctors have seen a sharp increase in the number of patients suffering from depression and addiction-like symptoms caused by online gaming.

"It is necessary to ensure there is a balance between innovation and technology on the one hand and the mental well-being of citizens on the other," added Thakur.

The new rules, spread over nine clauses, will come into force in ninety days, and all relevant authorities, including banks, will be expected to comply.

The move is a blow to developers and publishers such as Mumbai-based gaming startup Dream11, which became India's first gaming unicorn in 2019 and raised $100 million from Fox Sports last year.

Dream11, which has amassed a user base of 140 million, declined to comment on the story.

Conclusion:

"We are alarmed at the reports of suicides and embezzlement by workers rushing to feed online gaming habits," said Thakur, "and the government is duty-bound to act to protect its citizens, especially the vulnerable."

The question remains, however, whether the ban will achieve its aim of reducing gambling addiction and depression among the young in a country of nearly 400 million gamers, or whether the boom will simply continue underground, operated by illegal bookies and unregulated offshore companies.

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