ENA Sectors 2025-08-20 17:11:41 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Aug 20 (KNN)</strong> Leading online gaming associations in India have urged the government to reconsider its proposed ban on real-money online games, including those based on skill.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In a joint letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), E-Gaming Federation (EGF), and Federation of India Fantasy Sports (FIFS) highlighted that such a move would severely impact a legitimate and fast-growing sector of the digital economy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The industry bodies described online skill gaming as a sunrise sector that plays a critical role in Prime Minister Narendra Modis USD 1 trillion digital economy vision.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">They emphasised that the sector currently holds an enterprise valuation of more than Rs 2 lakh crore, generates over Rs 31,000 crore in annual revenues, and contributes nearly Rs 20,000 crore in taxes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The letter, dated August 19, warned that a blanket ban could lead to the closure of hundreds of companies, the loss of over 200,000 jobs, and a shift of players to unregulated offshore platforms.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This, the industry argued, would not only reduce tax collections but also raise concerns about user safety and data security.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The appeal comes as the government is preparing to table the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 in Parliament.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The bill proposes to prohibit all forms of real-money online gaming and impose strict financial and criminal penalties for violations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Industry leaders have stressed that instead of an outright prohibition, a balanced regulatory framework would be a more effective solution.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">They believe such an approach would safeguard users, preserve jobs, attract investments, and ensure long-term economic growth while addressing concerns related to misuse of online gaming.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 43216 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/indian-gaming-industry-urges-government-to-delay-proposed-gaming-ban 2025-08-20 17:11:41 knnindia.co.in