To: Members of the Rajya Sabha, Government of India

We, the undersigned players, professionals, and supporters of India’s online gaming ecosystem, urge you to reject or amend the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.

The bill, already passed by the Lok Sabha, seeks to impose a blanket ban on real-money online games—covering everything from poker and rummy to fantasy sports and competitive chess tournaments. While we understand the need for consumer protection, this approach unfairly treats skill-based games as gambling, despite courts and experts recognizing the difference for decades.

 
Why This Matters

• Jobs & Livelihoods – Millions of Indians earn directly or indirectly through online skill gaming, from players and coaches to developers, event organizers, and creators.
• Freedom & Fairness – Skill games like poker, chess, and fantasy sports are about strategy, practice, and discipline, not blind luck.
• Safety & Responsibility – A blanket ban will only push players to unsafe offshore sites, where there is no oversight or protection.
  India’s Digital Future – Instead of stifling an entire sector, India should be building a regulated environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding players.

Our Appeal

We respectfully urge the Rajya Sabha to:

1. Reject the blanket ban or send the Bill to a Select Committee for wider consultation.
2. Recognize skill games as distinct from gambling, in line with existing legal precedent.
3. Adopt a regulatory framework that enforces age-gates, spending limits, grievance redressal, and responsible gaming safeguards.
4. Support India’s digital economy, protecting both livelihoods and innovation.
    

Our Call

This is not just about one game. It’s about protecting an entire community of players, professionals, and families who depend on India’s online skill gaming ecosystem.

Regulate, don’t eradicate. Protect jobs. Protect innovation. Protect skill gaming in India.