Wed Aug 20 18:48:21 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

The Lok Sabha in India has passed the Online Gaming Bill of 2025, a move welcomed by gamers, developers, and creators in Hyderabad. The bill aims to curb real-money gaming (RMG) while promoting esports and skill-based gaming. Many, like Vinay Vangala, who filed a police complaint against online betting platforms, see it as a personal victory. Esports influencers like Dhanu Dino believe it will redirect focus towards legitimate esports careers, and game developers like Sameer Chengappa stress the need to differentiate between video games and RMG. Sai Prasad shared a tragic story of how online gambling addiction drove his friend to his death, indicating the urgency and importance of the newly passed bill.

**News Article:**

**India’s Online Gaming Bill Passes, Hyderabad Celebrates a Win for Esports and Responsible Gaming**

**HYDERABAD, August 21, 2025 (The Hindu)** – Celebrations erupted among gamers, creators, and developers in Hyderabad on Wednesday as the Lok Sabha passed the Online Gaming Bill of 2025. The legislation is being hailed as a crucial step in combating the dangers of real-money gaming (RMG) while fostering the growth of esports and skill-based gaming in India.

For some, like Panjagutta resident Vinay Vangala, the bill’s passage is deeply personal. Vangala, who previously filed a police complaint against online betting platforms, expressed relief at the national level action. “It is a relief to see this addressed at a national level,” he said, acknowledging the efforts of local police in curbing the menace.

The gaming community in Hyderabad is enthusiastic about the Bill’s potential to shift the focus away from gambling. Dhanu Dino, a popular Telugu gaming influencer with over 2.45 million YouTube subscribers, believes this is an opportunity to re-energize the esports sector. “This move will push focus back to esports…The future is esports, not betting apps,” Dino stated.

Developers, such as Sameer Chengappa of Funfinity Interactive, emphasize that esports and traditional gaming should not be confused with gambling. He stressed the importance of clear distinctions to allow the gaming industry to thrive without being unfairly burdened by RMG regulations.

The Bill’s passage also brought a sense of hope for those personally affected by the negative impacts of online gambling. Sai Prasad, from Musheerabad, shared the heartbreaking story of losing a friend to online gambling addiction last year, highlighting the urgent need for regulation. He expressed his hope that this new legislation would prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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