MeitY’s draft rules under the PROG Act outline a regulatory roadmap for the Online Gaming Authority of India while reinforcing the ban on real-money games
The draft rules empower the proposed Online Gaming Authority of India to register, categorise, and even cancel online games, while also promoting e-sports and overseeing grievance redressal.
Draft rules gives a 180-day window to platforms to return deposits and winnings owed to players before the online gaming law takes effect
Interim action under IT Act highlights urgency to regulate gaming before new framework kicks in.
The gaming industry was a great opportunity for PA firms to monetise UPI payments, with the winnings payout yielding them a flat Re 1 per transaction, around 10 times higher margins than regular payments
"As a responsible and law-abiding corporate entity, Gameskraft has no intention of pursuing any legal challenge to the legislation. We fully respect the legislative process and remain committed to operating within the framework of the law," a company spokesperson said.
Dream Sports CEO Harsh Jain described India's gaming law as an unexpected knockout punch but said he remains “a delusional optimist”, revealing a “two-year cash runway” which would help him retain talent.
In an exclusive interview, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the law targets harmful money games but also assured support for affected workers while promoting e-sports and skill-based gaming.
The Centre’s proposed first national law on online gaming lays out strict bans, new penalties and a dedicated regulator while setting up a framework for e-sports and social games
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 which prohibits the offering of real money gaming was passed in the Lok Sabha on August 20
FDI in online gaming sector not productive, industry making outsize profits by preying on Indian population, said a source
With the Centre set to introduce a new bill that would effectively ban real money gaming, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw warned of money laundering, terrorism financing, and psychological harm from such games
Industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the business impact of the legislation and issues around enforcement, particularly the ability to curtail offshore operators and users accessing unlicensed platforms via VPNs. Krishnan acknowledged these challenges but said the government is “fully prepared” to address them
Draft online gaming legislation empowers authorities to override access controls on servers, devices and virtual platforms while probing offences.
Google’s proposal comes as CCI investigates its policies related to the RMG sector in India. The company has been accused of abusing its dominant position, denying market access and misleading warnings during app downloads, among others.
Karnataka’s draft bill seeks to prohibit all forms of online betting, wagering, or gambling involving games of chance. The Congress-led government is likely to introduce it in the upcoming legislature session.
Zupee primarily focuses on online ludo, offering real-money gaming variants such as Ludo Supreme, Ludo Turbo, and Ludo Supreme League
Dream Play allows users to compete in multiplayer contests across a variety of skill-based sports games like Carrom in exchange for cash rewards.
Tamil Nadu had notified a set of state-specific regulations that introduced time and usage curbs on real-money gaming platforms in February 2025
Following this change, advertisers will be required to submit a certificate from one of the country's skill gaming industry bodies — the All India Gaming Federation, the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports, or the E-Gaming Federation— or provide a court order confirming the nature of the game as a 'game of skill'.
Halting operations was part of a 'broader plan to reassess and reimagine its long-term approach', the company said.
WinZO is benefiting from a significant expansion of its user base, which has now grown to 250 million users, bolstered by its global expansion efforts.
Zupee plans to diversify its offerings by acquiring, building, or investing in gaming- related assets
This marks Zupee's first full-year of profitability since its inception in 2018.
Nearly 200 real-money gaming companies are expected to adopt this framework, which aims to enforce consistent user safety standards across the industry.