New Online Gaming Regulations: A Digital-First Approach

In a bid to regulate the burgeoning online gaming sector, the government has unveiled fresh rules under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, effective May 1, 2026. A forefront of this initiative is the establishment of a digital-first regulator called the 'online gaming authority'.

The regulations emphasize 'user safety features', insisting on measures like age-verification, time restrictions, and user reporting tools, tailored to each game’s risk profile. These rules categorize games based on their potential financial implications, requiring esports to get registration while maintaining the ban on real money games.

To ensure transparency, the Online Gaming Authority of India will function under MeitY, tasked with maintaining a registry of online money games, supporting user grievances, and coordinating with financial institutions for compliance. Providers must display registration details prominently, ensuring users are well-informed of their gaming interactions.