Editorials thehindu.com

Regulation, not bans, can protect online gamers

22 May 2026 Source

Exam Summary

The article argues that India's Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which banned online games involving money, has been counterproductive. Instead of protecting individuals, it has led to a significant rise in the use of unregulated offshore betting and gambling platforms, increasing risks like money laundering, terror financing, and cybercrime. Citing studies showing a sharp increase in offshore platform usage across states, the author advocates for a strong regulatory framework with accountability and consumer safeguards, rather than outright bans. International examples from the UAE and Sri Lanka are presented, which are moving towards regulated licensing frameworks. The article emphasizes the need for sustained Centre-State coordination to address this menace, generate tax revenue, and fund player-awareness campaigns.

GS Paper 2: Governance, Social Justice, Welfare Schemes, Federalism. GS Paper 3: Indian Economy (money laundering, tax revenue), Science & Technology (digital platforms, cybercrime), Internal Security (terror financing).

Exam Themes

Prelims Takeaways

  • The objective of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, was to protect individuals from adverse impacts of online games.
  • Post-PROG Act, there was a significant increase in offshore online betting platform usage (e.g., Delhi NCR 68.3% to 82%, Tamil Nadu 67.8% to 83%, Maharashtra 66.7% to 91.7%).
  • Offshore platforms pose risks of money laundering, terror financing, and cybercrime.
  • Illegal operators use VPNs, proxy servers, WhatsApp, and Telegram to circumvent bans.
  • Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has blocked thousands of URLs to combat illegal betting networks.
  • UAE and Sri Lanka are moving towards regulated licensing frameworks for online gaming despite previous prohibitions.

Elimination Traps

  • Assuming that a blanket ban is an effective long-term solution for digital services.
  • Overlooking the role of technology (VPNs, encrypted platforms) in circumventing regulations.
  • Ignoring the Centre-State coordination aspect in regulating online activities.

Static Concepts

  • Policy formulation and implementation
  • Consumer protection
  • Money laundering
  • Terror financing
  • Cybercrime
  • Regulatory frameworks
  • Paternalistic bans
  • Jurisdictional challenges
  • Taxation

Probable Question Areas

Question areas
  • Critically analyze the effectiveness of blanket bans versus robust regulation in managing the challenges posed by online gaming in India.
Question areas
  • Discuss the implications of unregulated offshore online betting platforms on India's financial security and consumer protection. What policy measures can be adopted?
Question areas
  • Examine the challenges in enforcing digital regulations in a federal structure like India, with specific reference to online gaming and cybercrime.
Conceptual Recurrence

Related Prelims PYQs

Ranked by topic match, theme match, recency, and recurring UPSC patterns.

UPSC Prelims 2023 Social Issues & Schemes

Consider the following statements :
Statement-I :India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care.
Statement-II: Under India's decentralized approach to health care delivery, the States are primarily responsible for organizing health services.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
  2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
  3. C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
  4. D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Explanation
Correct answer
B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

* Statement I is correct: India's public healthcare system prioritises curative care, which focuses on treating existing illnesses. Preventive, promotive, and rehabilitative care, which aims to prevent diseases, promote good health, and help people recover from illness, receive less emphasis. * Statement II is correct: India's healthcare system follows a decentralised approach. The central government sets policies and provides financial assistance, but individual states are responsible for organising and delivering health services to their populations. This allows for flexibility based on local needs and contexts.
Therefore, the answer is Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.

Social Justice & Development Indian Polity & Governance Welfare Schemes & Social Policies Federal Structure & Centre State Relations
UPSC Prelims 2013 Indian Polity

Consider the following statements:
1. National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission.
2. The Economic and Social Planning is kept in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India.
3. The Constitution of India prescribes that Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A. 1 only
  2. B. 1 and 2 only
  3. C. 2 and 3 only
  4. D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Correct answer
C. 2 and 3 only

Statement 1 is incorrect: The National Development Council (NDC) is not an organ of the Planning Commission. It's an independent advisory body headed by the Prime Minister and includes Chief Ministers of all states, Union Cabinet Ministers, and members of the NITI Aayog (successor to the Planning Commission). It was set up on 6 August 1952. Statement 2 is correct: Economic and Social Planning is listed in the Concurrent List (List III) of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Statement 3 is correct: The Constitution (Article 243G) empowers Panchayats (local village governments) to prepare plans for economic development and social justice at the village level. This promotes decentralized planning and community participation. Hence, statement one is incorrect and statements two and three are correct. _Note: While the NDC was proposed to be abolished, it has not been formally dissolved, although its powers have largely been transferred to the NITI Aayog's Governing Council._

Indian Polity & Governance Social Justice & Development Federal Structure & Centre State Relations Constitutional & Statutory Bodies Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
UPSC Prelims 2015 Indian Polity

The provisions in the Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to -

  1. A. protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes
  2. B. determine the boundaries between states
  3. C. determine the powers, authorities, and responsibilities of Panchayats
  4. D. protect the interests of all the border States
Explanation
Correct answer
A. protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes

The provisions in the Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made to protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes. Fifth Schedule: Applies to all states except Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It focuses on Management and administration of Scheduled Areas: These are areas with a high concentration of tribal populations. The schedule grants them some autonomy and safeguards their traditional rights over land and resources. Establishment of Tribes Advisory Councils: These councils advise the Governor on matters related to the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes. Sixth Schedule: Applies to the four aforementioned northeastern states with significant tribal populations. It provides greater autonomy compared to the Fifth Schedule by Creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs): These councils have a greater degree of administrative and legislative power within their designated areas. Special provisions for administration of tribal areas: This includes protection of customary law, inheritance practices, and social customs of the tribes.

Indian Polity & Governance Constitutional & Statutory Bodies Welfare Schemes & Social Policies Federal Structure & Centre State Relations
UPSC Prelims 2022 Social Issues & Schemes

With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements:
1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
3. It has seamless portability across the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A. 1 and 2 only
  2. B. 3 only
  3. C. 1 and 3 only
  4. D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 3 only

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission aims to provide digital health IDs for all Indian citizens to help hospitals, insurance firms, and citizens access health records electronically when required. Statement 1 is incorrect. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has not made it mandatory for adoption by private and public hospitals. Its adoption so far would be voluntary. Participation in ABDM is voluntary including for citizens. Participation of a healthcare facility or an institution is also voluntary and shall be taken by the respective management (government or private management). Statement 2 is incorrect. The aim of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is to facilitate the ease of access to medical records and it is not been mandated to have every citizen as its part though the facility is available to every citizen on a consent basis. Statement 3 is correct. ABDM will have a national footprint and will enable seamless portability across the country through a Health ID Personal Health Identifier.

Social Justice & Development Current Affairs Welfare Schemes & Social Policies Emerging Information Technologies
UPSC Prelims 2015 Social Issues & Schemes

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has been launched for -

  1. A. providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates
  2. B. Promoting women’s Self Help Groups in backward areas
  3. C. promoting financial inclusion in the country
  4. D. providing financial help to marginalised communities
Explanation
Correct answer
C. promoting financial inclusion in the country

PMJDY is a National Mission on Financial Inclusion encompassing an integrated approach to bring about comprehensive financial inclusion of all households in the country. The plan envisages: - Universal access to banking facilities with at least one basic banking account for every household.
- Financial literacy.
- Access to credit.
- Insurance and pension facility.

Indian Economy Social Justice & Development Welfare Schemes & Social Policies Digital Financial Infrastructure
UPSC Prelims 2018 Social Issues & Schemes

Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India?
1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did.
2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our school, public places and major tourist centres

Select the correct answer using the code given below

  1. A. 1 and 2 only
  2. B. 3 only
  3. C. 2 and 3 only
  4. D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 3 only

* Statement 1 is not correct: The formation of India’s own internet companies, similar to China’s approach, is not an aim of the Digital India programme. The initiative focuses on creating digital infrastructure, providing digital services, and promoting digital literacy — not establishing government-backed internet firms. * Statement 2 is not correct: The Digital India plan does not include any policy framework to attract foreign multinational corporations to build data centres in India. While data localisation and data centre policies have emerged later under different frameworks, they are not part of the original Digital India objectives. * Statement 3 is correct: One of the key aims of Digital India is to connect villages through broadband and to provide Wi-Fi access in schools, public places, and tourist centres. This is part of its core pillars like Broadband Highways, Public Internet Access Programme, and Early Harvest Programmes.

Science & Technology Social Justice & Development Emerging Information Technologies Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
UPSC Prelims 2014 Social Issues & Schemes

What is/are the facility/facilities the beneficiaries can get from the services of Business Correspondent (Bank Saathi) in branchless areas?
1. It enables the beneficiaries to draw their subsidies and social security benefits in their villages.
2. It enables the beneficiaries in rural areas to make deposits and withdrawals.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A. 1 only
  2. B. 2 only
  3. C. Both 1 and 2
  4. D. Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Correct answer
C. Both 1 and 2

Business Correspondents (BCs) or Bank Saathis are agents appointed by banks to provide basic banking services in rural and unbanked areas where setting up a full-fledged branch might not be feasible. They act as a bridge between the bank and the local population, offering essential financial services Statement 1 is correct: BCs can help villagers access government subsidies and social security benefits electronically deposited into their accounts. This eliminates the need to travel long distances to banks and reduces the risk of cash handling. Statement 2 is correct: Villagers can deposit their savings or withdraw cash through BCs, promoting financial inclusion and facilitating small transactions without requiring them to visit a bank branch. Therefore, both options (1 and 2) are the facilities that beneficiaries can avail through Business Correspondent services.

Indian Economy Social Justice & Development Digital Financial Infrastructure Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
UPSC Prelims 2022 Indian Polity

Consider the following

1. Aarogya Setu
2. CoWIN
3. Digi Locker
4. DIKSHA

Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?

  1. A. 1 and 2 only
  2. B. 2, 3 and 4 only
  3. C. 1, 3 and 4 only
  4. D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Correct answer
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

An open-source digital platform is essentially a software platform where the underlying code is freely available for anyone to see, modify, and distribute. This openness fosters collaboration, transparency, and innovation in software development. All of the above (1. Aarogya Setu, 2. CoWIN, 3. Digi Locker, 4. DIKSHA) are built on top of open-source digital platforms. - Aarogya Setu initially wasn't open-source, but the Indian government later made its source code available. - CoWIN leverages open-source software for its development. - DigiLocker utilizes an open-source platform called Digital Locker System.
- DIKSHA is built on the open-source platform Sunbird.

Science & Technology Indian Polity & Governance Emerging Information Technologies Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
UPSC Prelims 2024 Social Issues & Schemes

With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements :

1. To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding.
2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitised.
3. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from local language to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A. 1 and 2 only
  2. B. 2 and 3 only
  3. C. 1 and 3 only
  4. D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Correct answer
D. 1, 2 and 3

* Statement 1:  Correct.  The Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) is 100% centrally funded by the Central Government for Union Territories and North-Eastern States. For other states, the funding pattern may vary, but it largely involves central assistance for implementing the scheme. * Statement 2: Correct. Cadastral Maps (detailed maps showing boundaries of individual land parcels) are being digitized under the scheme. This aims to create accurate digital land records, enabling better governance and reduced disputes. * Statement 3: Correct. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate Records of Rights (RoR) from local languages into languages recognized by the Constitution of India. This improves accessibility and ensures land records are understood by a wider audience.

Indian Polity & Governance Science & Technology Welfare Schemes & Social Policies Emerging Information Technologies
UPSC Prelims 2019 Indian Polity

Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void?

  1. A. Third Schedule
  2. B. Fifth Schedule
  3. C. Ninth Schedule
  4. D. Twelfth Schedule
Explanation
Correct answer
B. Fifth Schedule

The Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the administration and governance of Scheduled Areas, which are regions with a significant tribal population. It aims to safeguard the rights, culture, and land of tribal communities while preventing their exploitation. Under this Schedule, the Governor of a state with Scheduled Areas has special powers, including the authority to: - Declare any law related to the transfer of tribal land as null and void if it is found to violate the interests of the tribal population. - Prohibit or regulate the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals, ensuring that tribal communities retain control over their ancestral land and resources. These provisions act as a protective mechanism, preventing tribal communities from being forced or manipulated into selling their land for activities like mining, industries, or large-scale projects without adequate safeguards.

Indian Polity & Governance Social Justice & Development Constitutional Amendments & Structure Welfare Schemes & Social Policies