India will enforce the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, and the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, from 1 May 2026. The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified the rules on 22 April 2026. The framework creates the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) in Delhi for sector oversight.
Classification of Online Games
The rules classify online games into prohibited online money games, permissible social games, and e-sports. The framework places online money games under tighter regulation and provides a separate compliance structure for e-sports and social games.
Registration and Certification
Mandatory registration applies to certain notified games and all recognised e-sports platforms. Approved platforms receive a digital certificate that remains valid for up to 10 years. The registration system links platform recognition with regulatory status under MeitY.
User Protection and Grievance Redressal
The rules require age verification, parental controls, time limits, user reporting tools, fair-play monitoring, and grievance redressal systems. A two-tier complaint mechanism allows a user to approach the gaming platform first, then the OGAI, and then the Secretary of MeitY. Each stage has an expected resolution period of 30 days.
Enforcement and Penalties
Financial institutions and payment facilitators must verify a game’s regulatory status before processing transactions. The law authorises designated cyber cell officials at state, district, and police station levels to investigate offences under the Act. Penalties for online money gaming service providers can include imprisonment up to three years and fines up to ₹10 crore, and advertising facilitators also face penalties.
Online Gaming Authority of India
OGAI functions as the central regulatory body for online gaming under MeitY. Delhi serves as its headquarters.
Last Modified: April 30, 2026