India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology notified the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 in the Gazette of India on 22 April 2026. The Rules came into force on 1 May 2026. They are the operational secondary legislation under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which received presidential assent on 22 August 2025 after passing the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on 20 and 21 August 2025 respectively.
The Act and Rules together ban online money games, defined as any game based on chance, skill, or a combination where a monetary prize is offered. The Rules establish the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) as an attached office of MeitY under Rule 3. OGAI's board is chaired by the Additional Secretary, MeitY. Board members include representatives from MHA, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Department of Legal Affairs.
Online gaming platforms must obtain a licence from OGAI to operate legally in India. Only licensed platforms may accept user deposits, offer prizes, or advertise. Operating without a licence carries criminal liability under the Act, including imprisonment and fines for operators and their promoters. Financial institutions must block or reverse transactions linked to unlicensed platforms.
Users dissatisfied with a platform's internal complaint resolution may appeal to OGAI within 30 days. OGAI must decide the appeal within a further 30 days. A second appeal lies before the Secretary, MeitY, who must decide within 30 days of receipt. OGAI may suspend or cancel licences and impose proportionate financial penalties. The enforcement process is conducted in digital mode unless OGAI determines physical attendance is necessary.
Licentium advises online gaming operators, iGaming platforms, and technology companies on regulatory compliance in India and across the Asia-Pacific region. Our team and partner network are available to assist businesses navigating OGAI licensing and ongoing compliance obligations. Work we undertake includes gaming licence strategy, regulatory submissions to OGAI, compliance programmes for online gaming operators, payment provider obligations under the Rules, and cross-border iGaming regulatory analysis.