<h1>Parliament bans online money games, bars ads and bank transfers; operators face up to three years' jail, Rs 1 crore fine</h1> Parliament has enacted legislation banning all forms of online money games while promoting eSports and online social gaming. The law prohibits offering such games, advertising them, and banks or financial institutions facilitating related fund transfers; it removes the ability of platforms to evade the ban by claiming 'skill' status. Penalties include up to three years' imprisonment and fines up to Rs 1 crore for operators, and up to two years' imprisonment and fines up to Rs 50 lakh for unlawful advertising. The Upper House approved the bill after rejecting opposition amendments; the government cited public-health, addiction, money-laundering and security concerns.