India announces new online gaming regulations and regulator ahead of May rollout

(AsiaGameHub) –   India will implement a new regulatory framework for online gaming starting May 1, following a notification from the Ministry of Electronics & IT. The rules intend to curb risks related to real-money gambling while introducing more structure and oversight to the sector.

The framework originates from the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025, which Parliament passed in August last year. It covers both real-money gaming and non-monetary games, with the objective of enhancing regulation while supporting the growth of esports and social gaming.

A key feature is the establishment of the Online Gaming Authority of India, which will act as the central regulatory body. It will maintain a registry of online money games, handle complaints and appeals, issue guidelines, and coordinate with banks and enforcement agencies. The authority will also supervise compliance across the sector.

The new system introduces clear criteria for classifying online money games, based on factors like stakes, potential rewards, and revenue models. It also sets up a registration framework for esports and certain social gaming categories, while many non-real-money games will stay outside mandatory registration unless specifically required.

User protection measures are a core component of the rules, including age verification, parental controls, complaint mechanisms, and a two-tier dispute resolution system designed to strengthen accountability.

With the rollout approaching, India is moving toward a more structured regulatory environment for online gaming. The government states that the framework is designed to balance industry growth with consumer protection, particularly by reducing financial and social risks linked to money-based gaming platforms.