Asia

India Bans Real-Money Gaming

Published

3 months ago

August 22, 2025

Reading Time: 3 minutes

India’s lower house of parliament has passed a sweeping online gaming bill that, while promoting esports and casual gaming without monetary stakes, imposes a blanket ban on real-money games — threatening to disrupt billions of dollars in investment and significantly impact the real-money gaming industry, which could see widespread shutdowns.

Titled the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, the legislation aims to prohibit real-money games nationwide — whether based on skill or chance — and ban both their advertisement and associated financial transactions.

“In this bill, priority has been given to the welfare of society and to avoid a big evil that is creeping into society,” India’s IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in Parliament while introducing the bill.

The proposed legislation restricts banks and other financial institutions from allowing transactions for real-money games in the country. Anyone offering these games could face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to ₹10 million (approximately $115,000), or both. Additionally, celebrities promoting such games on any media platform could be liable for up to two years of imprisonment or a fine of ₹5 million (roughly $57000), the bill states.

Vaishnaw said the decision to bring the legislation was to address several incidents of harm, including cases where individuals reportedly died by suicide after losing money in games. However, industry stakeholders largely attribute these incidents to offshore betting and gambling apps, which many believe will not be addressed by this legislation.

“This law is bound to face litigation as it fails the test of proportionality under Article 19(1)(g). Instead of safeguarding consumers, it dismantles compliant onshore companies while opening the door wider for illegal offshore betting platforms that are the real source of financial harm,” said Meghna Bal, director of the New Delhi-based think tank Esya Centre.

Article 19(1)(g) of India’s Constitution guarantees citizens the right to practice any profession or carry on any occupation, trade or business.

Ahead of the bill’s introduction in the Indian Parliament, industry bodies wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene. The letter — sent by the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports, All India Gaming Federation and E-Gaming Federation warned that the proposed legislation could benefit “illegal offshore gambling operations” while forcing Indian businesses to shut down. These industry bodies represent Dream Sports, MPL, WinZO, Gameskraft, Nazara Technologies and Zupee, among other real-money gaming companies.

“By shutting down regulated and responsible Indian platforms, it will drive [millions] of players into the hands of illegal matka networks, offshore gambling websites, and fly-by-night operators who operate without any safeguards, consumer protections, or taxation,” the letter stated. (Matka is a form of illegal gambling that originated in India, involving betting on random numbers.)

The three industry bodies estimated that real-money gaming startups in India have a combined enterprise valuation of ₹2 trillion (approximately $23 billion), generate cumulative revenues of ₹310 billion (around $3.6 billion), and contribute ₹200 billion (roughly $2.29 billion) annually in direct and indirect taxes. They also project a 28% compound annual growth rate that would double the industry’s size by 2028. The industry groups warned that the blanket ban could result in the loss of more than 200,000 jobs and the closure of over 400 companies.

A similar letter was also written to Indian Home Minister Amit Shah by these three industry associations.

The bill was passed by voice vote in a noisy lower house less than seven minutes after it was introduced for debate. It now requires approval from the upper house and the president to become law.

Meanwhile, some companies in casual gaming and esports have welcomed the move.

“We applaud this decision as it allows us to focus on the ongoing concerns as a business — monetization, retention, and most importantly, building great IP for India and the world, rather than having to explain to our audiences what we are to begin with,” said Sumit Batheja, CEO and co-founder of Ginger Games, which is part of Krafton’s Indian gaming incubator and makes hyper casual games.

Krafton is the South Korean gaming company behind the popular battle royale game PUBG.

In 2023, the Indian government amended the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to curb “user harm” from real-money games and proposed self-regulatory bodies to limit illegal betting and gambling while allowing legitimate games. However, the self-regulation approach faltered due to conflicts among industry stakeholders over enforcement and standards.

New Delhi imposed a 28% tax on online gaming in 2023 to curb real-money play, prompting an outcry from industry stakeholders. Top investors — including Tiger Global, Peak XV Partners and Kotak — urged Modi to reconsider, warning of $2.5 billion in write-offs and the potential loss of one million jobs. The tax, however, remained in place, even as companies challenged its retrospective application in the Supreme Court. Recent reports suggest it may be revised upward to 40% under new rules.

The post India Bans Real-Money Gaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Asia

IESF Officially Opens the World Esports Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur

Published

5 hours ago

December 3, 2025

George Miller

iesf-officially-opens-the-world-esports-championship-2025-in-kuala-lumpur

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The World Esports Championship 2025 (WEC25) is officially open in Kuala Lumpur, welcoming athletes, fans, and delegations from around the globe. With 19 nations taking part in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), this year’s event stands as the most internationally diverse MLBB competition in IESF history.

After a year filled with national and regional qualifiers and preparations from teams around the world, the world’s top esports athletes have arrived in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. The opening ceremony set the tone for the days ahead, offering fans a first glimpse of the excitement and atmosphere surrounding this year’s championship.

“WEC25 reflects the continued growth of esports as a space for connection, competition, and shared passion,” said IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski. “Bringing together 19 nations for MLBB is a milestone not just for the title, but for the entire esports ecosystem. We are proud to bring this edition of the championship to Kuala Lumpur.”

As the competition officially kicks off, the schedule is fully packed with exciting match-ups among Nations, competing for their flag and country. The best from all over the world will have the unique opportunity to become the MLBB World Champion.

IESF extends its gratitude to the Malaysian government and the Ministry for Youth and Sports, partners, athletes, and global supporters who continue to elevate the championship’s reach and impact.

The post IESF Officially Opens the World Esports Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Asia

Pacific Online-backed Buenas PH Inks Partnership with YGS Live’s Battle of the Streamers to Support Ethical iGaming

Published

2 days ago

December 1, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

pacific-online-backed-buenas-ph-inks-partnership-with-ygs-live’s-battle-of-the-streamers-to-support-ethical-igaming

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Buenas PH, the licensed e-casino operator under HHR Philippines Inc (HHRPI), has been named the presenting partner of YGS Live’s Battle of the Streamers. The partnership builds on the strong momentum created during the recent launch of YGS Live, a next-generation iGaming broadcast platform founded by esports pioneer Julius “Banoobs” Mariano.

Buenas PH is backed by strong corporate leadership that firmly establishes its position in the iGaming and entertainment industry. HHR Philippines is venture-backed by publicly listed Pacific Online Systems Corporation (POSC), led by Willy N. Ocier, who serves as Chairman of Belle Corporation. Belle Corporation is SM Investment’s major developer of leisure and tourism destinations built to support the growth of PAGCOR’s Entertainment City. This corporate foundation strengthens Buenas PH’s credibility and long-term direction as it grows in the regulated iGaming sector.

The Battle of the Streamers is the flagship program of YGS Live. Powered by Pragmatic Play and streamed through the soon-to-be-launched Loco Live platform, the event brings together the country’s top iGaming creators in a weekly competition featuring an eleven-million-peso prize pool. As one of the first major events to debut on Loco Live, the program showcases the platform’s commitment to high-quality, responsible, and community-driven iGaming content. It also reinforces YGS Live’s advocacy for responsible iGaming by discouraging creators from promoting unlicensed or scam platforms.

“Through this partnership, Buenas PH supports a mission that elevates Philippine iGaming to a safer and more responsible environment,” said Julius “Banoobs” Mariano, Founder of YGS Live. “Our creators have influence. We want that influence to help shape a healthier culture for fans and players.”

Industry reports have highlighted Pacific Online’s active participation in the growth of regulated online gaming in the Philippines, including its involvement in HHR Philippines and the Buenas operator. These developments strengthen confidence in the company’s long-term direction as a regulated and ethical player in the e-casino sector.

As the presenting partner, Buenas PH takes a central role throughout the Battle of the Streamers program, which runs every Saturday and culminates in a grand finals event on January 18, 2026, at City of Dreams Manila. The event combines high-stakes matches with interactive community segments, along with three million pesos in community giveaways for fans and viewers.

YGS Live continues to position itself as a broadcast network dedicated to responsible, community-driven iGaming content. With Buenas PH as a lead partner, the platform aims to set a new benchmark for safe, creator-focused, and credible iGaming entertainment in the Philippines.

For updates, visit the official YGS Live Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/YGSLive.

The post Pacific Online-backed Buenas PH Inks Partnership with YGS Live’s Battle of the Streamers to Support Ethical iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Asia

BetConstruct AI Arrives at G2E Asia 2025 in Manila

Published

5 days ago

November 28, 2025

Niji Narayan

betconstruct-ai-arrives-at-g2e-asia-2025-in-manila

Reading Time: 2 minutes

After exhibiting at more than 30 events throughout the year, BetConstruct AI concludes its global calendar at G2E Asia 2025. The exhibition will take place from 10 to 11 December in Manila, Philippines, providing an important stage to present the company’s strategic vision, technological capability and integrated approach to one of Asia’s most influential industry gatherings.

As the Asian iGaming community converges in Manila, BetConstruct AI will welcome visitors at Stand N2-618 to explore an ecosystem designed for operators seeking direction, efficiency and long term growth. Attendees will encounter more than a standard product lineup. They will enter an environment shaped around intelligence, integration and practical value, demonstrating how a connected ecosystem tailored to the Asian market can strengthen performance across digital and retail operations.

As part of its participation at G2E Asia, the company will also highlight its limited-time commercial offer. Operators who sign new agreements on or before 15 January 2026 will receive a 50% reduction on setup fees, tools and services for one year. This initiative provides a more accessible starting point for those planning to expand, introduce new skins or develop their strategic roadmap for 2026.

Central to this environment are the established pillars of the company’s ecosystem, the Sportsbook and the Casino Suite. These pillars represent the depth, coverage, personalisation and consistent multi-channel performance required for reliable operational success. They serve as the entry point into a broader structure where player engagement, loyalty progression and operator creativity form essential components of sustained development.

Within this broader structure, The Last Battle presents a distinctive approach to progression and player value, turning loyalty into a dynamic, evolving experience. Land-Based Solutions extend intelligent capability into physical venues, supported by tools that modernise retail operations, while Loya strengthens player relationships inside every shop through a dedicated loyalty framework.

Affigates, presented separately within the ecosystem, offers an independent affiliate network prioritising reach, reliability and partnership within a trusted global framework.

Supporting every element of the ecosystem is the AI Suite, the analytical core that connects insight with action. CRM AI strengthens engagement through behavioural understanding.

Umbrella AI reinforces operational confidence by identifying potential risks early and supporting informed decisions. The AI Game Recommendation System elevates personalisation by matching each player with content aligned to their preferences. Together, these components form the intelligence framework that drives the entire BetConstruct AI environment.

The presence at G2E Asia reflects the company’s commitment to building technology that is adaptable, comprehensive and aligned with emerging opportunities across the region.

The post BetConstruct AI Arrives at G2E Asia 2025 in Manila appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.