India’s Online Gaming Law Set for October Rollout
India is preparing to introduce a new regulatory framework for its digital gaming sector, with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025. The legislation, signed into law by the president on August 22, represents a turning point for an industry that has expanded rapidly but faced growing scrutiny.
Union Minister for Information and Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, confirmed the rollout date during the AI Impact Summit 2026 pre-event ceremony, noting that the government had engaged extensively with industry stakeholders before finalizing the framework. The new law is designed to encourage growth in e-sports and social gaming while placing firm restrictions on money-based games that involve financial stakes.
Consultative Approach Ahead of Enforcement
Vaishnaw stressed that consultation was at the heart of the legislative process. “We have had multiple discussions with them, and after passing the law, once again, we engaged with them,” he said. “We engaged with practically every stakeholder possible in this, and we have finalised the rules.”
The minister further explained that dialogue with operators, banks, and industry groups would continue before the law comes into force. “In case we need some more time, we will definitely look at a more consultative approach. At present, the government is targeting October 1 for the rollout of the new legislation,” he added.
Restrictions on Money-Based Games
At the center of the legislation is a comprehensive ban on online games played for stakes, whether they are based on chance or skill. The law treats the offering and promotion of such games as cognisable and non-bailable offences.
Alongside the prohibition, the act blocks banking support, advertising, and promotional campaigns linked to money-based gaming platforms. This move is intended to cut off the financial and marketing channels that fuelled the sector’s expansion.
However, according to government sources, the law does not penalize players who participate in these activities. Instead, the focus is on operators, promoters, advertisers, and those providing financial backing for prohibited games.
Support for E-Sports and Social Gaming
While restricting money-driven platforms, the government is simultaneously promoting e-sports and community-based digital gaming. The act grants these segments legal recognition and establishes a clear regulatory framework for their growth. By distinguishing skill-based entertainment from gambling-style offerings, the government seeks to protect consumers while nurturing legitimate gaming opportunities.
Officials have positioned this dual approach as a way to validate competitive e-sports and strengthen India’s position in the global digital entertainment market. It also aims to reduce the financial and psychological risks associated with gambling-style play.
Industry Implications
The introduction of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act marks a critical juncture for India’s gaming ecosystem. The sector has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years, but concerns around financial harm, advertising practices, and offshore access have driven the push for stricter oversight.
As the October rollout nears, the timeline remains adaptable. Vaishnaw underscored the government’s flexible stance, remarking, “Our government’s approach is very consultative on practically everything that we do.”
The final round of consultations will determine how smoothly the law is implemented, but the overall direction is clear: India intends to establish a more structured and accountable digital gaming environment that both safeguards players and promotes innovation in safer forms of entertainment.
Source: India’s New Online Gaming Law Set for October 1 Rollout, LCB.org, September 20, 2025