Ban on real money games could backfire, say experts

Multiple users echoed similar views on the recent ban.

“If there’s a ban, people will naturally move to offshore platforms… If you block safe, local platforms, users will just turn to unsafe ones abroad,” said Vignesh, an engineer.

Vignesh shared that he was initially lured into real money gaming through promotional messages.

“It’s been a while since we started receiving messages like this. Whenever someone needs money, the message feels like a ‘friend in need’ offering a way to play the game,” he said.

He admitted that he continued playing even after losing money because he hoped to recover it in the next game.

“When we don’t play, we miss the hope of a comeback and feel left out when others are playing,” he added.

Vignesh also felt that the punishments under the law are too harsh.

“There should be rules that are safe for players and also good for the economy,” he suggested.

According to the new law, anyone offering online money gaming services in violation of Section 5 of the Act can face: Imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs 1 crore or both. Additionally: Anyone who makes or publishes advertisements for such games can be punished with imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh, or both.

Those involved in processing or authorizing payments for online money gaming can also face up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, or both.

Despite these penalties, Saran (name changed), who works in the media industry, was skeptical about the ban’s effectiveness.

“Nobody will stop playing. When PUBG was banned earlier, people still played it by using VPNs. This will be no different,” he said.