New Delhi: The Government of India has notified the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, introducing a comprehensive regulatory framework to curb online money gaming while promoting safe and structured growth of e-sports and social gaming. The rules, issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), will come into force from May 1, 2026.
The rules operationalise the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025, passed by Parliament in August 2025. The legislation aims to protect citizens from financial and psychological risks associated with online money games while positioning India as a global hub for gaming innovation.
A central feature of the framework is the establishment of the Online Gaming Authority of India, a unified regulator headquartered in Delhi. The Authority will function as a digital-first body responsible for classifying games, handling complaints, issuing directions, and coordinating enforcement with financial institutions and law enforcement agencies. It will also maintain and publish a list of prohibited online money games.
The rules introduce a clear determination mechanism to classify whether a game qualifies as an online money game or a permissible online social game or e-sport. This process can be initiated by the Authority, the service provider, or the Central Government, and is expected to be completed within 90 days based on objective criteria such as entry fees, expected winnings, revenue models, and monetisation practices.
A registration framework has been mandated for certain categories of games, particularly e-sports. Registered platforms will receive a digital certificate valid for up to 10 years and must comply with transparency norms, including disclosure of registration details and adherence to payment-related directions. Notably, online money games will not be eligible for recognition as e-sports.
User safety is a key focus area, with mandatory safeguards such as age verification, parental controls, time limits, user reporting systems, counselling support, and fair-play monitoring. Gaming platforms must clearly disclose these safety features and maintain internal grievance redressal mechanisms.
The framework also establishes a two-tier grievance redressal system, allowing users to first approach the service provider and, if dissatisfied, escalate the complaint to the Online Gaming Authority within 30 days. A further appeal can be made to the Secretary, MeitY, ensuring accountability and fairness.
Strict provisions for penalties and enforcement have been laid down, with digital proceedings to be concluded within 90 days. Penalties will be proportionate, taking into account the severity of violations, user impact, and financial gains from non-compliance.
Additionally, the rules aim to safeguard the financial system by preventing banks and payment intermediaries from facilitating transactions linked to prohibited online money games.
Officials stated that the framework reflects the government’s dual objective of encouraging innovation in the gaming sector while ensuring strong consumer protection. The detailed notification has been published in the Gazette of India dated April 22, 2026.
