With the new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 banning money games, millions of Indians are left wondering about the safety and fairness of non-monetary gaming spaces. Artificial intelligence now plays a hidden role in areas like matchmaking, game-progress, and bots playing against users — often without players knowing. The article argues for greater transparency and regulation, such as disclosing when AI is involved and ensuring non-monetary games are fair and safe.

India currently has a patchwork of excise laws varying from state to state, which causes legal confusion, varied enforcement, and inconsistent taxation. The article argues for a unified or model liquor law to provide clarity, reduce regulatory conflicts, and ensure a more balanced, transparent approach across all states.

The article argues that online gamers in India are being taxed at a flat 30% rate on winnings under the recent changes (Section 194BA) of the Income Tax Act. Key concerns include: the removal of the ₹10,000 TDS threshold, inability to deduct contest entry fees and expenses, and unfair comparison with traditional athletes who face lower rates. The piece calls for more equitable tax rules that recognize online gaming as a livelihood, not just hobby income.