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India Bans Real-Money Gaming
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.
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Play your way to a share of $100,000 each week
GGPoker, the World’s Biggest Poker Room, today announced the launch of an exhilarating new promotion designed to give players even more chances to win big: the Weekly $100K Freeroll. Starting on October 18, poker enthusiasts can compete for a share of a guaranteed $100,000 prize pool every single week, completely free of charge.
The Weekly $100K Freeroll offers a straightforward path for players to turn their everyday poker action into significant winnings. Players can claim tickets to both the Daily Freeroll tournaments or the main Weekly Freerolls in a variety of ways. The Daily Freerolls run twice every day, with thousands of Weekly Freeroll tickets up for grabs in each event.
Every Saturday at 08:00 (UTC-8), the main $100,000 freeroll tournament will take center stage, promising thrilling action and substantial payouts for hundreds of players.
How to Enter the Daily and Weekly Freerolls
GGPoker has made qualification easily accessible:
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Daily Freerolls (Run Twice Daily): Players can secure a ticket by:
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Fully completing their sign-up at GGPoker
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Making a deposit
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Playing 100 cash game hands
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Weekly $100K Freeroll (Every Saturday): Players can earn their spot in the big weekly event by:
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Winning a ticket in a Daily Freeroll
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Making a cumulative deposit of $500 or more during the week
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Refer a Friend Bonus: Successfully referring a friend (via GGPoker’s new Refer Your Friend feature) who registers and makes their first deposit will also grant a direct ticket to the Weekly $100K Freeroll for both players
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Playing 1,000 cash game hands
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“We are incredibly excited to launch the Weekly $100K Freeroll, offering our players an unparalleled opportunity to compete for a massive prize pool with no buy-in required,” said Sarne Lightman, Managing Director of GGPoker. “This promotion is designed to both reward our loyal community and welcome new players, making poker more accessible and exciting than ever. With multiple ways to qualify daily, everyone has a shot at playing for a tasty score each Saturday.”
To learn more about the Weekly $100K Freeroll, please visit: ggpoker.com/promotions/weekly-freeroll/
The post GGPoker Unveils Massive Weekly $100K Freeroll, Kicking Off October 18 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Fast Track is issuing this statement regarding an isolated incident that occurred in early October.
Fast Track experienced a highly sophisticated cyber attack that specifically targeted two clients operating on the Fast Track Platform.
Upon detection of the breach, Fast Track immediately ceased the attack and informed the affected parties.
Fast Track confirms that no other clients have been impacted by this incident.
Further details will be provided as they become available and appropriate to release.
If you have any questions regarding this incident, please email [email protected].
The post Important Information regarding Fast Track services appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
GAMOMAT is taking players on a colourful adventure with its new title, Frooty Troupe Sun Splash. This feel-good game launches the new Frooty Troupe series, transporting players to exciting worlds, with more to be revealed in time.
Relax Gaming has launched Masked Treasures, a volatile Aztec-inspired slot packed with mystery symbols and free spins. Set deep in the jungle on a 5×3 reel layout, Masked Treasures invites players to uncover sacred rewards hidden behind ornate gold masks, with a maximum win potential of 5,000x the stake.
Evoplay has launched Hocus Pocus Sorcery, where the night comes alive with glowing gems, enchanted books, and mischievous black cat. Hocus Pocus Sorcery captures the Halloween spirit with a supernatural flair. Players are welcomed into a moonlit world of bubbling cauldrons and mysterious symbols, where each spin offers a chance to unlock powerful features and hidden rewards.
Players will feel the power of the herd and find strength in every spin in Buffalo Wild Collection, the latest slot from in-demand iGaming content provider, ICONIC21. Buffalo Wild Collection takes players to the Great Plains, where they follow these magnificent beasts towards potentially big wins.
TaDa Gaming, is hoisting the Jolly Roger for a barrel full of gold in new release Lucky Macaw. An unusual grid layout sees three reels and three rows, with the centre reel holding an extra position/fourth row, plus 10 fixed paylines. Set in Pirate Cove with the galleon anchored offshore, Captain Macaw is ready to parley with players for pirate coins and bags of gold cash symbols.
Endorphina has announced the release of its newest title, Sloteus Gold. Featuring 5 reels, 4 rows, 25 fixed paylines, and a royal treasure narrative, Sloteus Gold is now available in online casinos. This new Endorphina slot invites players on a royal adventure for King Sloteus’ Gold, where valuable coins with multipliers up to x15 are in play.
Amusnet has released its latest slot game – 40 Lucky Wilds Hot. This sizzling online slot turns the temperature up with classic charm, vibrant symbols, and electrifying winning potential. Designed with 5 reels and 40 fixed paylines, 40 Lucky Wilds Hot invites players into a world where every spin crackles with excitement.
Million Games, together with Million Stars partner studio Yugo Workshop, has announced the launch of FreakShow Hotel, a Halloween-themed 5×3 video slot designed to deliver both festive fun and serious win potential. Set inside Count Drac’s haunted hotel, the game invites players to join a supernatural banquet filled with ghosts, monsters, and high-paying surprises.
Stakelogic has unveiled its latest enchanted adventure, Leprechaun’s Loot, where Irish folklore meets inventive mechanics. Starring Pip O’Spin, a cheeky leprechaun from the emerald hills with a gift for turning rainbows into gold, the game combines playful storytelling with exciting Hold ‘N’ Win action.
Play’n GO breathes new life into ancient Chinese mythology with Bao Shi, a visually striking 5-reel slot centred around the mythical Lion God, Lioras. Set amidst mist-shrouded mountains and long-forgotten temples, Bao Shi beckons players to release Lioras from an ancient spell cast by a malevolent warlord, bringing prosperity to those brave enough to beat the drums of destiny.
Evoplay has launched Trick or Treat Joker, a spooky slot where mischief and mayhem rule the night. Led by the sinister yet charming Joker, this Halloween-themed release blends spooky visuals with classic fruit symbols for a mischievous twist on conventional gameplay. Pumpkins, cobwebs, bats, and glowing symbols create a haunting setting for an eerie adventure.
Spinomenal is celebrating this year’s Halloween with the release of its new title, Spooky Halloween. Spinomenal’s chilling slot is set within a forest cloaked in fog, surrounded by twisted trees and glowing candles illuminating the 5×4 layout. Adding to the haunting experience is an atmospheric soundtrack, echoing with eerie chimes that builds anticipation with every spin.
Amusnet has released its latest video slot, Wild Fortune. This 5-reel, 40-fixed-payline video slot features nine beautifully designed symbols. The Wild symbol expands on all reels and positions, helping players to complete winning combinations and unlock hidden treasures.
The post Week 41/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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