Key Moments:
- India will implement new online gaming rules beginning October 1, 2025, under The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.
- The legislation prohibits money-based online gaming and related financial transactions while backing e-sports and social gaming.
- The government has indicated that the implementation timeline could shift, pending further industry consultations.
Consultative Approach Shapes New Legislation
The Indian government is preparing to introduce sweeping online gaming regulations this year. Union Information and Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 will come into effect on October 1, 2025, following intensive discussions with key stakeholders such as gaming companies, industry representatives, and financial institutions. The bill received presidential assent on August 22, after passing through Parliament.
“We have had multiple discussions with them, and after passing the law, once again, we engaged with them,” Vaishnaw said. “We engaged with practically every stakeholder possible in this, and we have finalised the rules. The rules will be promulgated with effect from the first of October, and before that, we will have one more round of discussions with the industry.”
Vaishnaw emphasized the government’s willingness to delay implementation if stakeholders require more time, but confirmed that October 1 remains the target date.
I had pointed out yesterday that the notification under Section 1(3) indicating the date of bringing into force the Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Act has not been issued yet even a month after the passage of the law with alacrity & hurry. @GoI_MeitY Minister… https://t.co/85HdsVnLJW
— Jay Sayta (@jnsayta) September 18, 2025
Main Provisions of the New Rules
The new law introduces a nationwide ban on money-based online games. Both games of skill and games of chance are subject to this prohibition if they involve any form of financial stake. Offering or participating in such games will be treated as a criminal offence, which is both cognisable and non-bailable.
In addition to prohibiting actual gameplay, the Act outlaws all advertising, promotional activity, and banking support connected to money-based games, aiming to eliminate both financial lifelines and public exposure for these platforms.
While service providers, promoters, advertisers, and financial backers face penalties under the Act, individual participants in money-based games are not subject to prosecution, according to government sources.
Path Forward for E-sports and Social Gaming
By drawing a clear distinction between money-based and non-harmful gaming, the law seeks to create a supportive environment for e-sports and online social games. These segments will receive legal recognition and an official framework under the new Act. The government aims to foster digital entertainment and skill-based gaming while addressing the risks related to wagering.
Implementation Timeline and Future Consultations
Authorities plan to enact the new rules on October 1, 2025. However, further engagement with the industry could prompt timeline adjustments. Vaishnaw reiterated, “Our government’s approach is very consultative on practically everything that we do,” and added, “In case we need some more time, we will definitely look at a more consultative approach. At present, the government is targeting October 1 for the rollout of the new legislation.”
The government intends to provide legal certainty for the sector by clearly separating e-sports and social gaming from money-based games, in response to the rapid growth of online money gaming in India and rising concerns about its societal impact.
Overview of Key Provisions
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Implementation Date | October 1, 2025 (subject to change after further consultations) |
| Scope | Nationwide ban on money-based online games, covers both games of skill and chance with financial stakes |
| Penalties | Cognisable and non-bailable criminal offences for providers, promoters, advertisers, and financial backers; no penalties for individual players |
| Support Measures | Promotes legal recognition and backing for e-sports and social gaming |
- Author
Daniel Williams
