MeitY Notifies Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026

The Government of India has notified the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, operationalising the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act. The rules will come into force from May 1, establishing a comprehensive framework for regulating the rapidly expanding online gaming sector. 

Online Gaming Authority of India

The rules create the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) as the central regulatory body. It will function under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). OGAI will comprise six members  in which Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will be Chairperson and Other 5 members will be Joint Secretaries from other ministries.  The authority is entirely government-led and reflects an inter-ministerial approach to regulation.  

OGAI has been vested with significant powers, including:

• Classifying games into:
  • Online Money Games (involving monetary stakes)
  • Online Social Games (no real-money element)
  • Esports (skill-based competitive gaming)
• Issuing regulatory directions
• Hearing complaints and disputes
• Imposing penalties

Selective Registration Framework: A key feature of the rules is the non-mandatory registration regime for most games.

• Mandatory determination is required only:
  • When directed by the regulator
  • For esports offerings
  • For categories notified by the government based on scale or transaction value
• Registration is similarly required only under notified conditions or for esports.

 Financial Intermediaries Brought Under Scope: The framework extends compliance obligations to financial entities such as:

• Banks
• Payment gateways
• Other intermediaries

These institutions must verify a game’s regulatory status before enabling transactions, thereby strengthening oversight of money flows in online gaming. 

Two-Tier Grievance Redressal System: To enhance user protection, the rules mandate:

1. Internal grievance mechanism by gaming platforms
2. Escalation to OGAI, followed by appeal to a government Appellate Authority

Focus on User Safety: Gaming platforms are required to implement user safety features, which may include:

• Technical safeguards
• Operational protocols
• Behavioral monitoring systems

These measures must align with the risk profile of the game, ensuring proportionate regulation.