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ARTICLE · 04 MAY 2026

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CMS INDUSLAW
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India's new online gaming framework introduces a game-by-game regulatory approach that requires each operator to independently register their titles with the Online Gaming Authority, even when offering identical gameplay. The rules establish broad discretionary powers for determining what constitutes prohibited real-money gaming versus permissible e-sports, while delegating substantial operational oversight to executive advisories that can reshape compliance obligations with minimal notice.

IndiaMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Naqeeb Ahmed Kazia
Naqeeb Ahmed Kazia
Purushotham Kittane
Purushotham Kittane
Author LinkedIn connections

1. INTRODUCTION

Just over eight months after the notification of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (“Gaming Act 2025”), and following stakeholder engagement, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (“MeitY”) notified the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 (“Gaming Rules”) on April 22, 2026. The Gaming Act 2025 and the Gaming Rules have been brought into force from May 1, 2026.1

The Gaming Rules provides an architecture to determine how the Online Gaming Authority of India (the “Authority”) functions, principles to determine an online game (and consequently permissible e-sports and online social games), registration of such online games, penalty imposition procedures, etc. while delegating a substantial share of operational design to the Authority through follow-on directions, codes of practice, and advisories. The day-to-day mechanics of permissible e-sports and online social games are set to be overseen by the Authority which

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