Online Gaming Rules bring clarity, boost esports credibility but gaps remain, say industry stakeholders
India's esports industry welcomes new online gaming rules for bringing clarity and credibility, but highlights remaining gaps. The rules create a regulatory framework under the PROG Act, 2025, and introduce a clear distinction between esports and online money gaming.
India's esports and gaming industry has broadly welcomed the notification of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026. The rules, effective May 1, 2026, create a formal regulatory architecture under the PROG Act, 2025, and introduce a clear distinction between esports and online money gaming. The Online Gaming Authority of India will be set up as a digital-first regulator. The new framework requires platforms to implement user safety features and introduces a time-bound 90-day determination process to classify games. Industry leaders praise the rules for bringing much-needed clarity and structure to the ecosystem, but highlight remaining gaps, including lack of clarity on financial frameworks and comprehensive protections for players and organisations. The rules mandate registration only for notified categories and all esports titles, and prescribe penalties for non-compliance.
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