Online gaming rules notified: Govt opts for minimal compliance, selective oversight

The Indian government has officially rolled out the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, which will take effect on May 1, 2026. These rules introduce a streamlined regulatory framework designed to minimize compliance burdens, particularly for platforms that do not engage in real money transactions. The new regulations aim to facilitate the operation of most online social games without the need for mandatory registration or pre-approval. According to S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the primary goal is to ensure that regulation remains light, especially for non-monetary games. He stated, "Most online social (non-money) games can operate without mandatory registration or prior approval." Under this framework, registration will only be necessary for specific categories identified by the government, which include games with large user bases or those involving substantial financial transactions. Krishnan emphasized that registration is not a requirement for most games, but only for those explicitly notified. A central feature of the new regulations is a "determination test" that will evaluate whether a game qualifies as an online money game. This assessment will be managed by the newly formed Online Gaming Authority of India, a digital-first regulatory body tasked with completing classifications within a 90-day period. However, this determination process will not be universally mandatory and will only apply in certain scenarios, such as when a game is presented as an e-sport, which necessitates registration. Additionally, the rules establish a formal registration system for e-sports and other specified categories of online social games. They also impose obligations on platforms regarding user safety, grievance redressal, and transparency. The regulatory authority's composition has been updated to include six members, with the Ministry of Home Affairs now represented as a full-time member. The government has also revised emergency action timelines to a swift three days and enhanced confidentiality measures for applicants. Moreover, certificates issued under this new framework will be valid for ten years, an increase from the previous five-year validity. The rules also clarify the grounds for suspension and cancellation, ensuring that affected parties have the opportunity to present their case, while delineating the jurisdiction between the authority and the adjudication committee.