The promotion and regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, Tabled and Passed in Lok Sabha on August 20, Is Poised to Reshape India’s Influencer and Creator Economy- An Industry THE PARTNERSTRY THE PARTNERSHIS Online Gaming and Fantasy Sports Platforms Over the Past Few Years. The bill aims to regulate e-sports, educational and social gaming while imposing a blanket ban on online money games that involve monetary stakes.
The Bill Formally recognies e-sports as a legitimate competition and outlines government support for training academies, research centers, research centers, and technology platforms to Fuel Its Growlth. Social and Educational Games will also be promoted, with safeguards to ensure age-spropriate content and integration into skill development and learning initiatives.
At the same time, the legislation takes a strict stand against money-based online games. If passed, it will outlaw advertisements Across Television, Print, Digital Platforms, and Influencer or Celebrity Endorsements that Promote Such Games. Penalties for Violations include imprisonment of up to two years, fines of up to ₹ 50 lakh, or both. REPEAT Offense Could Invite Stricter Punishment – Up to Three Years in Jail and Fines Reaching ₹ 1 Crore.
Industry Estimates Sugged that Real Money Game Segment Represents An Aggregate Annual Revenue of Around ₹ 18,000 Crore (Out of the Total Gaming Revenues), which now stands to be the proposed by the proponded by Prohibition.
For the influencer ecosystem, the immediative Fallout Cold Be Steep.
“This is a very wide-ringing prohibition,” said Vikram Jeet Singh, Partner, Btg Advaaya. “It must betend to film stars acting in advertisements, agencies making those ads, influencers endorsing platforms, and even players varing sponsored by online gaming companies. Platforms like youtube, x, cable tv channels, and news outlets will also have to refuse to carry such ads. The entrere ad ecosystem is potentially liable for compliance. “
For creators, the immediati pain will be felt in paired or canceled campaigns.
Sakchi Jain, Ca and Financial Educator and A Creator, Pointed Out “The Indian Influencer Space Grew Massively on the back of online gaming and fantasy sports. There was awa Just Just Advete Consistent Work during Cricket Seasons and Gaming Tournaments. ”
Now, there will likely be a Sudden Pause in Brand Campaigns and Collaborations from Real-Money Gaming Platforms. Creators who relied heavily on such brands may see cancellations or delays in payments. Agencies too might find it tough to fill these gaps quickly. She added that it would mean a noticeable Dip in revelation and more uncertainty in ongoing projects.
Rohit Agarwal, Founder & Director, Alpha Zegus Pointed Out, “Within the next 12–18 months, nearly 25–30% of ad spends that previous ways that previous way Casual Social Gaming, And Adjacarnt Creator-Led Content.
According to the Ficci-Ey Media & Entertainment Report 2025, India’s Gaming Market was Valied at ₹ 35,000 Crore (~ US $ 3.7 billion) in 2024.the industry is projectioned to grow at a 16–20% Cagr, reapping ₹ 80,000 Crore (~ US $ 9.1 Billion) by 2029.
In just one year, India Added 33 Million New Games, Pushing The Total User Base to 488 Million. That number was expected to cross 517 million in 2025, meaning near 40% of the country’s population will be gaming online.
What’s fueling the money flow? Real Money Gaming, Including Fantasy Sports and Skill-Based Games, Which Contributed 86% of Total Game Spending (~ US $ 3.2 Billion) in 2024.
Agarwal estimates that in terms of creators’ earnings, casual and mid-tier game streamers typically take home ₹ 40,000-₹ 40,000-₹ 75,000 per month, which topsports stretches and dedicated RMG CAN EARN ₹ 1–1.5 Lakh monthly through a mix of brand deals, tournament payouts, affiliate income, and platform monetization.
If we Average Earning at ₹ 50,000/Month Across 300,000 Creators, RMG Segment Represents An Aggregate Annual Revenue of Around ₹ 18,000 Crore, Who Stands to Be Impacted.
Meanwhile, agencies will need to return their approach.
Chandan Sharma, GM – Digital Media, Adani Group, Argued, “For Agency, The Focus will move beyond pure record and engine to ensuring campaigns are built repons Protection, and long-term value. Much LIKE LIKE SUBSCRIPTION FOTIGUE FORCED PLATFORMS to Reinvent, Influencer Marketing in Gaming will need hybrid models.
He Foresees Credit-Back Systems where Part of a Spend Translates Into Permanent Upgrades or Community-Driven Models Where Access to Exclusive Groups Comes Comes Bundled With Preference with Preference, Merchandise, and Events.
It is to be noted that a central regulatory authority has been proposed under the legislation to oversee compliance, support policy formulation, and encourage innovation in the gameing sector. According to the Financial Memorandum, The Authority will be set up with an Initial Capital Expenditure of Around ₹ 50 and Annual Recurring Cost of ₹ 20 Crore, Drawn from the Consolidated Fund of Indian.
Industry Leaders Say the long-term picture accept be healthier.
Agarwal welcomed the cleary the bill brings. “The distinction between esports and betting-line models is critical.”
For years, many creators- Especially in Tier 2 and 3 Markets- WERE CAUGHT In A Grey Zone. With money-based games explicitly prohibited, agencies now have a clear red line, he added.
Kushal Bhuva, AVP-Influencer Marketing, WRM, Points Out that The Proposed Bill Marks a Decisive Shift in How Influencer Marketing Intersects with Gaming.
“Real-Money Formats were a Significant Advertising Category, but they operated under constant uncertainty. The government’s clear prohibish E-sports, casual gaming, and entertainment to grow with legitimacy. “
For Agency, Bhuva Adds, This Change is Less About Loss and More about Redirection.
“Budgets will naturally move to categories with long-term relevance, while compliance banks Central to Operations. Updating Creatories, Advisories, and Campaign Checks is No. Safeguard bot influencers and brands, “He adds.
The outcome is an industry that is more structured, responsible, and better positioned for sustainable growth.
But not everyone is convined the bill striks the right balance.
Sourya Bnerjee, Associate Director – Public Policy Comms, Jajber Brand Consultancy, Warned That The Draft Not only Bans Games of Chance But also, Skill, Effectively Throws The bathwater.
“Skill-based RMG Applications are legal and widely endorsed by celebrities and influencers. Over-Regulation count push users legs unregulated apps while cutting offs Who was working with compliant platforms. “
For influencers who have leaneed heavily on fantasy sports and online gaming partnerships, the transition may be bumpy.
“This impact will be felt bot in the short and long run,” Jain added. “But it’s also a reminder that depending too much on one category is Risky. The disruption should push creators to diversified into safer nices like casual gaming, reviews, or broader entering.”
With India’s 650 Million Games and Over 180 Million Fantasy Sports Users, The Market Opportunity is Undeniable. But as the bill redraws boundaries, experts agre the creator economy is moving a more structure, brand-safe, and sustainable future.