New Online Gaming Regulations Set to Launch on October 1

Implementation of New Online Gaming Rules

On Thursday, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, announced that new regulations concerning online gaming will come into effect on October 1. He mentioned that extensive discussions have been held with online gaming companies and stakeholders, and following the passage of the law, further dialogues have taken place. Vaishnaw emphasized that the government has also consulted with banks and other relevant parties.

During the pre-event of the AI Impact Summit 2026, the minister stated that they have engaged with nearly every possible stakeholder to finalize the regulations. He assured that before the rules are implemented, another round of discussions with the industry will occur. If additional time is required, the government is open to adopting a more consultative approach, which is their standard practice.

Vaishnaw reiterated that the government is aiming for an October 1 rollout of the new law. On August 22, President Droupadi Murmu approved the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament earlier that week. This legislation aims to promote e-sports and online social games while imposing restrictions on harmful online money gaming services, advertisements, and related financial transactions.

Importantly, players engaged in online money games will not face penalties; only service providers, advertisers, promoters, and those financially supporting such games will be held accountable. Through this bill, the government seeks to enhance the recognition and legal status of e-sports, providing them with necessary legal support.