The Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die on Thursday following the passage of The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, amid loud protests and persistent sloganeering by Opposition members. The Bill, introduced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, had already been cleared by the Lok Sabha and was passed in the Upper House by voice vote despite repeated disruptions over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar.
The legislation establishes a national framework for regulating the online gaming sector, including e-sports, educational games, and social gaming, while imposing a strict ban on online money games involving betting or gambling, particularly those operating across state borders or from foreign jurisdictions. The Bill also proposes the creation of a central authority to oversee policy coordination, strategic development, and regulatory enforcement.
Speaking in support of the Bill, Minister Vaishnaw emphasised the government’s decision to prioritise the welfare of the middle class and youth over potential revenue gains. He cited alarming figures, noting that nearly 45 crore people are affected by online money gaming, with estimated financial losses exceeding Rs 30,000 crore. He further highlighted that the World Health Organisation has classified online money gaming addiction as a psychological disorder, warning that it has escalated into a public health crisis.
Vaishnaw also raised concerns over the misuse of online gambling platforms for terror funding and drug trafficking, calling them “safe havens” for illicit activities. “This problem has grown like the drug menace,” he said, asserting that the government would stand firm despite possible challenges in courts or attempts to influence public opinion through social media.
The session was repeatedly disrupted by Opposition members demanding discussion on the voter list revision in Bihar. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and others, including John Brittas and Dr R. Sivadasan, were denied opportunities to raise amendments related to the SIR issue. BJP MP Kiren Rijiju criticised the Opposition for ignoring the Bill’s content and questioned their commitment to public welfare.
Deputy Chairman Harivansh, reflecting on the 268th session, noted that despite the Chair’s efforts, disorder in the House resulted in a significant loss of parliamentary time. Out of 41 hours and 15 minutes of proceedings, only 38.88 per cent productivity was achieved. Of 255 starred questions, only 14 were answered; seven out of 285 Zero Hour submissions were taken up, and 61 out of 285 Special Mentions were addressed.
Despite the disruptions, the House managed to pass or return 14 government Bills, including the Online Gaming Regulation Bill. It also discussed Operation Sindoor, in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, and bid farewell to six retiring members.