Online Money Games: Bengaluru and the rest of India will see new rules for online gaming starting from October 1. The Union Information and Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the government will implement the regulations from that date. The rules come after months of talks with gaming companies, banks, and other groups involved in online games.
Vaishnaw said, “We have had multiple discussions with them (online gaming companies and stakeholders)… and after passing the law, once again, we engaged with them.” He explained the government wants to make sure the rollout is smooth and that all viewpoints are considered.
He added, “We engaged with practically every stakeholder possible in this, and we have finalised the rules. The rules will be promulgated with effect from the first of October, and before that, we will have one more round of discussions with the industry. And in case we need more time, we will definitely consider a more consultative approach, which is our standard approach. Our government’s approach is very consultative on practically everything that we do.”
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The Minister also stressed, “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.”
What is the Online Gaming Bill?
The new rules come from The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which President Droupadi Murmu approved on August 22. The law was passed by Parliament recently to encourage e-sports and legal online social games while banning harmful online money gaming services.
Officials clarified that ordinary players who play online money games will not face any punishment. “It is only the service providers, advertisers, promoters, and those who financially support such games who will face the consequences,” sources said. The idea is to give esports legal recognition and protect it while stopping risky online money games.
The Act makes it illegal to offer or participate in online games played for stakes anywhere in India. It applies to all games, whether considered skill-based or chance-based. Breaking this law is serious: offences are cognisable and non-bailable. Banks and advertisers are also prohibited from supporting these games financially or through promotions.
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Government’s Approach
Through this law, the government wants to support the growth of e-sports while keeping harmful online money games in check. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has worked with gaming companies and other stakeholders to make sure that the rules are practical.
The government is taking a consultative approach, with one more round of talks planned before October 1. Vaishnaw emphasized that if more time is needed, the government will consider it.
