Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 Notified

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified the final Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 on April 22, 2026, pursuant to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The Act and the Rules are set to come into force from May 1, 2026. For detailed information on the Act, see our earlier blog post. Prior to this, draft online gaming rules were released for public consultation in August 2025.

Salient Features of the Final Framework on Online Gaming

Key Notifications Under the Online Gaming Act:

Establishment of Online Gaming Authority of India (Section 8)

The Central Government has constituted the Online Gaming Authority of India, chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, with representatives from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Finance, Information & Broadcasting, Youth Affairs & Sports, and Law & Justice. Its multi-ministerial structure signals a coordinated regulatory approach spanning technology, finance, enforcement, legal affairs, and sports governance.

Power to investigate offences (Section 15)

The Central Government has authorised police officers in charge of cyber cells in States and Union Territories, as well as designated nodal cyber cell officers at various levels, to investigate offences under the Act. This enables coordinated investigation and enforcement at both the central and state levels.

Shift from Draft Online Gaming Rules to the Final Framework:

Under the draft rules, Rule 4(3) provided that online social games may be made available without mandatory registration, and Rule 12 made the registration process voluntary. The final framework links registration to a determination and approval process under Rules 8 and 10 of the Rules. The requirements and process for registration have been set out under Rules 12 and 13.

In the case of e-sports, although Rule 12(2) of the draft rules mandated registration, the final framework introduces an additional layer of scrutiny through the determination process under Rule 10. The validity of registration has also been extended from five years under Rule 16(2) of the draft rules to ten years under Rule 14(2) of the final rules. The grievance redressal mechanism, previously provided under Rule 23 of the draft rules, is now incorporated under Rule 20 of the final rules.

Determination of an Online Game (Rule 8)

A central feature of the final framework is the determination process under Rule 8, which empowers the Authority to determine whether an online game is an online money game or otherwise and thereby distinguishes online money games from e-sports and online social games for the purposes of registration. Importantly, determination is not mandatory for all games and is required only in specified situations, such as when directed by the Authority, when a game is intended to be offered as an e-sport, or when the Central Government notifies certain categories of online social games for determination.

Further, Rule 9 sets out factors for determination, including whether the game involves payment of fees, deposit of money or other stakes, by whatever name called, at any stage of participation; whether users have an expectation of winning monetary or other enrichment in return for such money or stakes; and the manner in which such payments are utilised, including whether they function as registration or participation fees in competitive multiplayer formats, as subscription or one-time access fees, or as bets, wagers or other stakes linked to potential winnings. The Authority also examines the structure and operation of the game’s revenue model, as well as the manner in which rewards, benefits, or in-game assets may be transferred, redeemed, monetised, or used outside the game environment.

Requirements and Processes for Registration (Rule 12 & 13)

Under the registration framework, not all online games are required to be registered. Registration is mandatory only when the Central Government has, by notification, required a particular game or category of games to be registered, having due regard to factors such as the risk of harm to users (including children); the nature of the outcome or potential risks of injury or detrimental impact on the public, the scale of user participation, the nature, volume or value of financial transactions or authorisation of funds, the country of origin or head office of the service provider, or such other factors as the Authority deems necessary in the public interest.

Where registration is required, it must be obtained separately for each individual game. The process involves submitting an application to the Authority in the prescribed digital form, after which the Authority processes the application for determination of the game under Rule 10.

For e-sports, the Authority must register the game within 90 days of receiving a complete application once it is satisfied that the game is recognised under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The Certificate of Registration will be valid for a period of up to 10 years (as specified by the online game service provider at the time of application), unless surrendered, suspended or cancelled earlier.

Grievance Redressal (Rule 20)

The framework mandates that every online game service provider offering an online social game or e-sport must establish and maintain a functional grievance redressal mechanism for users. If a user is dissatisfied with the resolution provided or if no resolution is given within the specified time period, they may approach the Authority within thirty days through the digital form published on the Authority’s website or mobile-based application.

The Authority is expected to dispose of such complaints within thirty days and, after giving the parties an opportunity to be heard, may issue appropriate orders, including corrective or remedial measures. If the user remains aggrieved by the Authority’s decision, they may file an appeal before the Appellate Authority in accordance with Rule 7.

Penalty Framework and Enforcement (Rule 21)

After receiving a complaint or acting suo motu, the Authority issues a notice setting out the alleged non-compliance and conducts proceedings in digital mode, unless physical presence is deemed necessary. The relevant service provider is given an opportunity to respond, and the Authority may either dismiss the matter or determine to hold a formal inquiry based on the submissions and evidence. In cases of non-appearance, the inquiry may proceed ex parte after the Authority records the reasons for doing so.

Authorised officers may be directed to investigate the matter. The complaint shall be heard and decided by the Authority within ninety days from the date of receipt of the complaint. If non-compliance is established, the Authority may impose penalties, suspend or cancel the Certificate of Registration, or prohibit the offering, facilitation or promotion of the game for a specified period.