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The Union Cabinet -- chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- on Tuesday approved the Online Gaming Bill, sources told Zee Business. The Bill defines strict ground rules for the marketing and promotion of online gaming platforms, with provisions for penalties and imprisonment. The Bill also prohibits eminent personalities -- such as celebrities and influencers -- from promoting betting apps.

With the Cabinet's approval in place, the Online Gaming Bill is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha -- the lower house of Parliament -- on Wednesday, according to the sources.

The likely introduction of the Bill comes at a time when there is a clear and gradual rise in online fraud in the country, with agencies cracking the whip against influential people promoting such applications and platforms.

The central government has been working to regulate online gaming in the country, including key aspects such as differentiating between permissible online games and those involving betting and gambling, taking taking strict action against online gaming and related platforms.

It has also been addressing a slew of challenges in the area, including online advertising, user safety, and the role played by intermediaries.

Several states have introduced their own laws or regulations regarding real-money online gaming and betting.

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In March, Parliament was informed that the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had issued 1,410 blocking directions related to online betting, gambling or gaming websites between 2022 and 2025, with the aim of ensuring an open, safe, trustworth, and accountable Internet for its users.

It has conducted extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders on the subject from time to time.

Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has rolled out a national cybercrime reporting portal, cybercrime.gov.in, to enable the public to report all types of cybercrimes, including cyber financial frauds.

The government has also operationalised toll-free helpline number 1930 to assist users in filing online complaints.

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