India Implements New Online Gaming Regulations to Enhance User Safety
India brings in new online gaming rules: What changes, who’s affected, and why it matters
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
India has introduced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, effective May 1, which bans real-money online games while promoting e-sports and casual gaming. The new regulations aim to enhance user safety through age verification and financial checks, establishing a central authority for oversight.
- 01Nationwide ban on real-money online gaming effective May 1, 2026.
- 02Introduction of stricter user safety measures including age verification and financial checks.
- 03Establishment of a central Online Gaming Authority for oversight and grievance redressal.
- 04Focus on promoting e-sports and casual social gaming.
- 05Objective to reduce financial risks, addiction, and fraud in online gaming.
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India has enacted the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, which will take effect on May 1, 2026. A significant aspect of this new framework is the nationwide ban on real-money online games, shifting the focus towards e-sports and casual social gaming. The regulations introduce enhanced user safety measures, including mandatory age verification, platform accountability, and financial checks to protect users. A central Online Gaming Authority will be established to oversee compliance, classification, and grievance redressal, ensuring that gaming companies adhere to stricter regulations. This initiative aims to mitigate financial risks, addiction, and fraud while positioning India as a leader in responsible digital gaming innovation.
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These regulations aim to create a safer gaming environment for users, reducing risks associated with online gaming.
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