Government notifies online gaming rules to tighten money gaming controls, promote e-sports

India has notified a set of rules aimed at tightening oversight of online money gaming while establishing a structured framework to promote e-sports and online social gaming, formalising the regulatory architecture for the fast-growing digital sector.

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), will come into effect from May 1, 2026. The rules operationalise the PROG Act, 2025, enacted in August last year to address risks associated with online money gaming while enabling growth of legitimate gaming formats.

Government officials said the framework is intended to provide regulatory clarity while strengthening safeguards for users against financial and behavioural risks linked to real-money gaming platforms.

Central regulator to oversee gaming sector

At the core of the framework is the Online Gaming Authority of India, a multi-ministerial body under MeitY that will act as the unified regulator for the sector.

Chaired by the Additional Secretary, MeitY, the Authority will include representatives from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Finance, Information & Broadcasting, Youth Affairs and Sports, and Law & Justice. It will function as a digital-first institution overseeing classification, compliance, grievance redressal and enforcement coordination.

Its mandate includes identifying online money games, maintaining a list of prohibited platforms, issuing directions to service providers, and coordinating with financial institutions and law enforcement agencies.

Classification test and time-bound determinations

The rules introduce a structured framework to determine whether a game qualifies as an online money game, based on factors such as entry fees, expectation of monetary winnings, revenue models, and monetisation of in-game assets outside the platform.

The Authority may also initiate suo motu proceedings. Determinations are required to be completed within 90 days of receipt of a complete application or initiation of proceedings, ensuring a time-bound regulatory process. Each classification will be issued through a formal determination order specific to the platform and game.

Online money games will not be eligible for recognition as e-sports under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, clearly separating regulated gaming categories.

Registration, compliance and enforcement framework

The rules mandate registration for notified e-sports and select online social games. Approved platforms will receive a digital certificate valid for up to 10 years.

Registered entities must display classification details, appoint compliance officers, and adhere to data retention and payment-related directions. A user safety framework has also been introduced, including age verification, parental controls, usage limits, counselling support and grievance mechanisms.

All service providers must maintain internal grievance systems, with users allowed to escalate complaints to the Authority within 30 days. A second appeal will lie with the Secretary, MeitY.

The framework empowers the Authority to impose penalties based on financial gain from violations, harm to users, severity and recurrence. Proceedings will be conducted digitally and concluded within 90 days. The government said the rules are designed to ensure predictable regulation while strengthening enforcement in the online gaming sector.