Ban on real money gaming sends Rs 10,000-crore ad market into flux

It was nothing short of a gank. In one fell swoop, the new online gaming law banned all forms of real money games (RMG) and their advertisements, putting a question mark before the estimated 10,000-crore (80% digital) marketing investments of leading brands in the category. For the Indian advertising business, which is expected to cross 1.5 trillion in 2025, their elimination presents serious short-term challenges, though most insiders remain optimistic that the festive season will keep the industry buoyant.