'Three years imprisonment, Rupees one crore fine'; Online gaming Bill in Rajya Sabha today

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha approved the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill, which makes it a crime to engage in, facilitate and advertise online games. The bill will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. It provides for imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore. Advertisements of online money games through popular personalities, including players and film stars, will also be banned.

Any person offering online money gaming services will be punished with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to three years or a fine, which may extend to one crore rupees or both. In case of repeating the same mistake, imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years and a fine which may extend to two crore rupees.

For those providing advertisements, imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or a fine which may extend to fifty lakh rupees. In case of repeating the crime, imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and a fine which may extend to one crore rupees.

For money transactions, imprisonment will be for a term which may extend to three years or a fine which may extend to one crore rupees. As the opposition remained fixated with protests over the Vote Chori issue, the bill introduced on Wednesday morning was passed in the evening without discussion.

Online games ensnare users to deposit money, letting them believe that they could double the amount through skill and luck. The bill aims to prohibit participating in online money games via computer, mobile phone, and the Internet, facilitating them, promoting them, and advertising them. Games through apps controlled from abroad are also within the scope of the bill.

The Authority will be appointed to provide policy support, strategic development and regulatory oversight of the online gaming sector, including e-sports, educational games and social gaming. Online service games that aim at entertainment and skill must be registered with the Authority.

The Indian cricket team is sponsored by 'DreamOnline Money Game Company. My11 Circle Company, which sponsors the IPL tournament, also runs the same business. If the bill becomes law, sponsorship would hit a roadblock.