Goa, Aug. 19 -- The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Online Gaming Bill, aimed at regulating India's rapidly expanding virtual gaming sector and cracking down on illegal betting. The move comes amid rising fraud linked to digital betting apps and celebrity endorsements. The bill is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The bill seeks to make online betting via digital platforms a punishable offence, addressing key issues such as addiction, fraud, and inconsistent state gambling laws. It proposes stricter oversight of gaming platforms and may designate the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) as the central regulator. Authorities could also block unregistered or illegal platforms.

The legisla...