A recent Assembly discussion has sparked confusion among gamers and the general public.
Updated: July 21, 2025, 9:47 p.m.
Maharashtra’s push to regulate “online gaming” has caused confusion among gamers, with many interpreting it as a possible ban on video games in the state. However, the state government’s statements in the Assembly suggest that the focus is primarily on real-money gaming (RMG) platforms, not regular video games.
As reported by The Economic Times, on July 18, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he had written to the Centre and spoken with the Union IT Minister about the need to strengthen regulation, citing increasing addiction among youth and incidents linked to financial distress. “The current regulations are insufficient,” he said, adding that only the Centre can act since most such websites are globally hosted.
Shiv Sena MLA Kailash Patil initiated the discussion, highlighting a case from his constituency involving a man who reportedly fell into debt due to “online gaming” — the term used for RMG apps — and later died by suicide. Multiple MLAs backed the demand for a ban, and some urged action against celebrities endorsing such games.
While the term “online gaming” was used repeatedly, none of the lawmakers or the chief minister specifically referred to traditional video games played for entertainment. The examples discussed involved financial loss, addiction, and platforms that encourage spending real money, which are all signs pointing to RMG apps rather than standard video games.
This is also the reason why Indian video game developers have repeatedly submitted letters to the PMO and Central government asking for a clear distinction between video games and RMG.
Fadnavis also mentioned that the state would explore options to block ads for such platforms and appealed to celebrities not to endorse them.
As of now, there is no proposal or confirmed plan to ban video games in Maharashtra. The state has not named any specific apps, and no law has been passed. For now, the focus appears to be on regulating or restricting RMG online platforms that have led to reported cases of harm.
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Rayan Sayyed is a staff writer for IGN India with a primary focus on Asian entertainment, spanning from anime, manga, games to films and dramas from the East. You can reach out to him at rayan_sayyed@ign.com, or find him on Twitter/X @rayanaver and Instagram @rayansayyed
