The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), on April 22, 2026, notified the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 to operationalize the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The rules establish the Online Gaming Authority of India as the central regulatory body headquartered in Delhi, responsible for determination, registration, oversight, and governance of online games, including e-sports and online social games.
The framework introduces a determination mechanism to classify games as “online money games” or otherwise, based on factors like financial stakes, reward structure, and revenue model. It mandates registration for certain categories, especially e-sports, and provides for issuance of a Certificate of Registration valid up to 10 years. The Authority is empowered to issue directions, ensure user safety features (such as age verification, parental controls, grievance systems), regulate financial transactions, and coordinate with regulators and law enforcement.
The rules also prescribe compliance, grievance redressal, and penalty mechanisms, including inquiries, suspension or cancellation of registration, and penalties for non-compliance. Service providers must maintain data, appoint contact points, and ensure transparency. Appeals lie with the Appellate Authority (MeitY Secretary), and strict controls are placed on financial facilitation for games classified as online money games.
[Notification No. G.S.R. 303(E)]
