Online gaming regulation: New rules to take effect from October 1; government stresses consultative approach with industry

NEW DELHI: New rules for online gaming will come into force from October 1, Union information and technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Thursday.”We have had multiple discussions with them (online gaming companies and stakeholders)… and after passing the law, once again, we engaged with them,” Vaishnaw said. The government had also spoken to banks and other groups involved, ANI quoted the minister.He highlighted that the process has been “very consultative” and said there will be one more round of talks with the industry before the rollout.”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,” he said at a pre-event ceremony of the AI Impact Summit 2026, organised by the ministry of electronics and information technology.He added, “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.”President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on August 22 to The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which Parliament passed earlier this week, ANI reported. The Bill aims to encourage e-sports and social online games, while banning harmful money-based gaming, their promotions and financial transactions.According to sources, players themselves will not be penalised for taking part in money-based online games. Instead, action will be taken against providers, advertisers, promoters and those funding such games. The government says the Bill will give e-sports legal backing and support.The Act introduces a nationwide ban on online games played for stakes. It makes offering or joining such games a criminal offence, whether they are seen as games of skill or chance. These offences will be treated as cognisable and non-bailable.The law also blocks banking support, advertisements and promotions linked to “online money games”.