India has notified the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, effective May 1, 2026. The rules operationalise the PROG Act, 2025 and set up the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) to label prohibited money games, enforce via banks and payments, and require age and fair-play safeguards. e-sports and compliant social games get a clearer compliance path.
India’s Online Gaming Act 2025 is set to overhaul the sector from May 1, with MeitY notifying the framework that creates the Online Gaming Authority of India. OGAI will classify games, enforce compliance, and can penalize or shut down platforms. Payments will face added scrutiny as banks and payment gateways must verify gaming registration certificates, while new user protections include age checks and responsible gaming safeguards.
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The government has notified new online gaming rules effective May 1, meant to clarify what qualifies as non-money online games while keeping bans on online money games intact. The rules create a digital-first Online Gaming Authority of India, set registration for esports and social games, and require safety, transparency, grievance redressal, plus penalties and appeals for violations.
The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) praised the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for including esports medal winners and their coaches in its Cash Incentive Program. The decision marks a major policy shift for India’s competitive gaming ecosystem, aligning esports achievements with mainstream sports recognition and support for athletes and training staff.
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