The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the draft version of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025 on October 2. These rules lay down specific guidelines for enforcing the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which prohibits online money gaming, while introducing provisions to develop e-sports and online social gaming in India. The government is inviting stakeholder comments on the Rules till October 31.
What Does The Act Say?
The Act defines online money gaming as any game where a user pays fees or deposits money with the expectation of winning monetary or equivalent returns. The provision of such games is banned entirely, with violators facing up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, or both.
Additionally, advertising or endorsing money games can lead to two years in prison and/or fines of up to Rs 50 lakh. Banks and payment operators facilitating related transactions can face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, or both.
Alongside the ban, the government also seeks to promote the growth of the e-sports and online social gaming industries in the country.
- Online social games are online games that are not money games, i.e., they do not involve users placing wagers with the expectation of winning. These games may charge a subscription fee or a one-time access fee, as long as the purpose remains entirely recreational or educational.
- E-sports are online games played as part of a competitive event that do not involve betting. Their outcomes must be solely dependent on the players’ skills.
The Act also requires the government to set up an Authority that will register e-sports and promote the sector. This may include issuing guidelines and standards, establishing training academies, introducing incentive schemes, and integrating e-sports into broader sporting policy.
What Do The Rules Say About Social Games?
The rules require e-sport providers to register their games with the Authority. However, registration for online social games is voluntary. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) will regulate online social games, including their registration and categorisation.
Any online game provider seeking registration can voluntarily apply to the Authority, which will then determine whether the game is a money game or not. If the game is permitted under law, the Authority must register it within 90 days of the application.
The Rules also empower the government to regulate the content and functioning of online social games.
For instance:
- Section 4(4) states that the government may publish a code of practice or guidelines for categorising online social games as recreational, educational, or skill-based, ensuring safe and age-appropriate gaming.
- Section 10 states that the Authority can investigate complaints about online games that are “prejudicial to the interests of…
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