Real-Money Online Gaming Ban In India: What It Means For Personal Loan Borrowers And How To Stay Financially Safe
- Rahul Joshi
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
On 21 August 2025, the Indian government introduced a landmark bill aimed at regulating and restricting real-money online gaming. The legislation seeks to protect citizens from platforms that lure users with promises of fast profits, but often lead to addiction, financial hardship, and social disruption. By taking this step, policymakers are signaling their commitment to family welfare and a safer digital economy.
Globally, the dangers of gaming addiction are well documented. The World Health Organization includes gaming disorder in its International Classification of Diseases, describing it as a persistent pattern of play characterized by loss of control, neglect of daily responsibilities, and continuation despite negative outcomes. This global recognition underscores why India’s proactive stance is both timely and necessary.
Why the Ban Matters for Personal Finance
The ban aims to curb mounting gambling-related debts and protect vulnerable users from falling into a cycle of borrowing to fund risky play.
The Economic Times reports that around 45 crore Indians lose nearly ₹20,000 crore every year to real-money gaming.
A Times of India survey in Telangana found that 79% of low-income players lost more than ₹50,000 each.
International research from Frontiers in Psychiatry shows that 9% of online gamblers borrow money for gambling, and 34% of them use unsecured bank loans to finance bets.
For lenders, such patterns are red flags. Banks and NBFCs evaluate a borrower’s repayment history and income stability before approving personal loans. High gambling-related spending or unpaid gaming debts can lower your credit score and reduce your chances of qualifying for new credit.
Why You Should Never Use a Personal Loan for Gambling
A personal loan is meant for productive needs—such as medical emergencies, education, weddings, or debt consolidation. Using it to fund gambling:
Creates high-interest debt with no asset to show for it.
Risks late payments and penalties, damaging your credit profile.
Can trigger a debt spiral, where new loans are taken to pay off gaming losses.
Debt Consolidation: A Lifeline for Those Already in Gambling Trouble
If you’ve already taken multiple loans to cover gambling losses, debt consolidation can help you regain control. This involves combining all outstanding debts—such as personal loans, credit card dues, or informal borrowings—into one structured loan with a single monthly EMI. Benefits include
Lower overall interest compared to revolving credit.
Simplified payments so you don’t miss due dates.
A clear repayment timeline, which can help rebuild your credit score.
At One Day Finance, we specialize in personal loans for debt consolidation, helping borrowers negotiate better terms and escape the stress of multiple EMIs.
Tips to Stay Safe and Financially Healthy
Set strict spending limits and track all discretionary expenses.
Avoid high-risk apps that offer “quick money” schemes.
Check your credit report regularly to monitor any sudden rise in inquiries or outstanding balances.
Seek professional financial counselling if you feel your gaming or borrowing habits are becoming hard to control.
Final Takeaway
The government’s ban on real-money online gaming is a wake-up call to stay vigilant about your finances. Personal loans should be a tool for achieving life goals—not a gateway to high-interest debt traps. If you’re struggling with multiple loans, debt consolidation through One Day Finance can help you move toward financial freedom.
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