New Delhi, April 30 The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 will come into force on May 1, 2026, establishing a unified framework to govern e‑sports and online social games to promote user safety and industry growth, the government said on Thursday.
The new rules will establish a transparent determination and registration system, mandate user‑safety features and grievance redressal.
The rules mark a new phase in the governance of online gaming in India and brings clarity to a sector that has grown rapidly but lacked a unified framework, an official statement said.
Rules distinguish permissible e‑sports and social games from online money games based on objective factors such as payment of stakes, expectation of monetary winnings, revenue model, and monetisation of in-game assets outside the game. Administration has to determinate, where practicable, within 90 days the nature of the game.
Successful registration leads to a digital Certificate of Registration with a unique number, valid for up to 10 years. Online money games are not eligible for recognition or registration as e-sports under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
"Service providers must display registration details. They must designate a point of contact. They must comply with data retention requirements and follow directions on facilitating payments," the statement noted.
"Over time, this framework is expected to support responsible expansion of the gaming ecosystem. It also reinforces India’s position as a credible voice in global digital policy. Strong safeguards and clear rules are now in place. The sector is better equipped to grow in a safe and sustainable manner," the government forecasted.
The online gaming sector in India generated Rs 232 billion in 2024 and 77 per cent of this revenue came from transaction-based games. The sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11 per cent, reaching Rs 316 billion by 2027.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 banned online money games, barred their advertising and payment processing, and prescribed deterrent penalties including imprisonment and fines for repeat offences.
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