India to enforce new online gaming rules from 1 October
India will bring in a new set of rules for online gaming from 1 October 2025, Union Information and Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed on Thursday. The legislation, titled The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, received presidential assent on 22 August after being passed in Parliament. The law sets out to encourage e-sports and social gaming while banning money-based games and related financial transactions.
Consultative process with stakeholders
Speaking at a pre-event ceremony of the AI Impact Summit 2026, organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Vaishnaw said the government had engaged in detailed discussions with all stakeholders before finalising the rules. These included online gaming companies, industry representatives, banks and other groups connected to the sector.
“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.”
He added that if more time was required, the government would adopt a consultative approach before rollout, but for now, 1 October remained the target date.
What the new law covers
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 introduces a nationwide ban on online money games. This includes games of skill as well as games of chance if they involve financial stakes. Offering or participating in such games is classified as a criminal offence. These offences are cognisable and non-bailable.
The law also prohibits advertisements, promotions and banking support related to money-based online games. This measure aims to cut financial backing and visibility for such platforms.
While service providers, promoters, advertisers and financial supporters will face legal consequences, individual players will not be penalised for participating in money-based games, according to government sources.
Support for e-sports and social games
The legislation distinguishes between money-based games and non-harmful gaming. It seeks to give legal recognition to e-sports and social online games, which are expected to receive greater support under the Act. The government says the move will provide a framework to promote skill-based competitive gaming and digital entertainment without the risks associated with wagering.
Implementation timeline
The government has stated that the new rules will come into force on 1 October 2025. However, Vaishnaw stressed that the timeline may be adjusted if further consultations highlight the need for refinements.
“Our government’s approach is very consultative on practically everything that we do,” he said. “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 new law follows increasing concern about the impact of money-based gaming platforms in India, which have grown rapidly in recent years. By drawing a clear line between e-sports, social games and money-based games, the government aims to provide legal certainty for the industry while tackling risks linked to wagering.
