Esports Industry Welcomes Online Gaming Bill as a ‘Turning Point’ Despite Real Money Ban

The approval of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha has triggered varied responses within India’s gaming community. While real money gaming operators face a total shutdown, the esports sector is celebrating what many are calling a long-awaited recognition of competitive gaming as a legitimate sport.

Esports Leaders See It as a Win

Industry veterans and professional players have welcomed the move, emphasizing that the bill finally draws a clear line between gambling and skill-based competition.

Animesh “Thug” Agarwal, co-founder and CEO of S8UL, described the development as a watershed moment. “This bill marks a historic turning point for Indian esports. By drawing a clear line between skill-based competitive gaming and betting, it safeguards the integrity of our ecosystem while opening doors for structured growth,” he said. Agarwal added that the next step should be building infrastructure, bootcamps, and scholarship programs to support young talent.

Echoing the sentiment, Rohit N Jagasia, Founder & CEO of Revenant Esports, highlighted the importance of having a unified legal framework. “With the passing of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, the gaming industry stands at a true inflection point. For the first time, the law formally recognises esports as a competitive sport, while also ensuring much-needed uniformity in regulations across states. With a clear framework now in place, we can expect it to fuel healthy competition, spur innovation, and attract investments that will strengthen and accelerate the growth of the entire gaming ecosystem,” Jagasia said.

Meanwhile, popular gaming influencer and Revenant XSpark brand ambassador Tanmay “ScoutOP” Singh applauded the government for officially recognizing esports. “The government has officially recognised esports as a competitive sport. Competitive gaming has always been skill-based, and it is encouraging to see it finally get its due. This bill’s effort to clearly distinguish between esports, social gaming, and chance-based money games is a crucial step toward safeguarding and nurturing the growth of skill-based gaming,” he noted.

A Divided Gaming Landscape

While esports companies and athletes are celebrating, the reaction from fantasy sports operators and poker platforms has been predictably grim. These businesses, which made up the lion’s share of India’s gaming revenue, now face a complete ban once the law takes effect. But for esports, the decision offers legitimacy, government backing, and the potential for international growth.

The government has already promised support in the form of training institutions, research centers, and structured tournament frameworks. For many esports players, this recognition could mean access to funding, education programs, and even inclusion in the National Sports policy.

As ScoutOP put it, the recognition may finally position India “as a global esports powerhouse,” provided the government follows through on its promises.