The rules also provide for the establishment of a dedicated online gaming authority to regulate the industry.

Issued under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025, the framework follows legislation passed by Parliament in August 2025 to address risks linked to online money games while supporting the development of e-sports and online social gaming.

Under the new rules, the government will establish the Online Gaming Authority of India as a central regulator responsible for maintaining a list of online money games, handling complaints, issuing directions, and coordinating with financial institutions and law enforcement agencies. The authority will also oversee grievance appeals and enforce compliance across service providers.

The framework introduces oversight mechanisms, complaint redressal systems, and coordination with banks and enforcement agencies to strengthen regulatory enforcement. It also sets out a structured process to determine whether a game qualifies as an online money game, based on factors such as the presence of stakes, expected monetary rewards, and revenue models.

Most non-real money games, including many online social games, will not be subject to mandatory registration unless specifically notified by the government. At the same time, the rules create a statutory registration regime for e-sports and certain categories of social games.

Additional provisions include user safety measures such as age verification, parental controls, and reporting tools, alongside a two-tier grievance redressal system and an appellate mechanism to ensure accountability.

The government said the rules are designed to protect users from financial and social harm linked to online money gaming platforms while providing regulatory clarity to support industry growth.