On 22 April 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology notified the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 to create a safe, transparent, and growth-oriented framework for the online gaming sector. The provisions will come into force on 1-5-2026.
All you need to know about these Rules:
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These Rules will come under the ambit of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
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Composition of the Online Gaming Authority of India:
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It will consist of a chairperson and 6 other members who will be nominated by the Secretary of the respective Ministry/ Department.
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The Head office will be in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
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The Authority will work under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, and will mostly operate online. It may use technology and online legal processes to carry out its work without requiring people to be physically present.
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The Chairperson can invite experts to help the Authority perform its duties, and these experts will be paid allowances as per the rules set by the Ministry of Finance.
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Online Gaming Authority of India:
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How does the Authority work?
✓ It can conduct its work either online or in person and can decide its own proceedings in doing so.
✓ Its orders and documents will be officially validated in a manner it considers appropriate.
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Meetings and decision-making:
✓ The Chairperson will decide the meeting’s date, time, place, and agenda, and issues the meeting notice.
✓ Meetings will be led by the Chairperson, and in his absence, by the senior-most Member present.
✓ Quorum- At least half of the total Members (online or in person) should be present to hold a valid meeting.
✓ Decisions will be taken by majority vote; if there is a tie, the Chairperson (or presiding Member) has the casting vote.
✓ Any Member with a personal interest cannot take part in discussion or voting on that issue.
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Urgent decisions: In urgent cases where a meeting cannot be held, the Chairperson can take necessary action, record reasons in writing, inform Members within 3 days, and place it for approval in the next meeting.
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Decision by circulation: The Chairperson can seek approval by circulation, without a meeting, and decision will be valid if approved by the majority.
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Authentication of orders: Orders or documents of the Authority can be signed and sealed by the Chairperson, any Member, or the Secretary.
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Validity of actions: Actions of the Authority remain valid even if there is
✓ a vacancy or defect in its composition,
✓ a defect in the appointment of the Chairperson or Members, or
✓ a procedural irregularity that does not affect the substance of the decision.
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Determination of online game:
It does not normally need approval from the Online Gaming Authority of India except in the following cases:
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If the Online Gaming Authority of India itself orders it;
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If the game is to be offered as an e-sport;
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If the Central Government orders it.
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Factors for determination:
While deciding whether an online game needs determination, the Online Gaming Authority of India will consider the following factors:
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Whether players have to pay a fee, deposit money, or put in any kind of stake at any stage of the game.
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Whether players expect to win money or other valuable benefits in return for the money or stake they put in.
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Purpose of the payment- Whether it used:
✓ to take part in a competition, like registration fees, participation fees, or prize money for performance;
✓ to access the game, such as subscription fees or one-time access charges;
✓ as a bet, wager, or stake placed with the expectation of winning money or valuables.
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Revenue model.
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How rewards, benefits, or in-game items can be transferred, sold, redeemed, or used outside the game.
Hence, the Online Gaming Authority of India will check how money is involved, why is it paid, and how rewards are used to decide the nature of the game.
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Validity of determination order:
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Remains valid if there are no changes in the game that affect how payments are made or how funds are used to access or play the game.
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If the Authority, on its own or after receiving a complaint from a Central or State Government body, believes that the game has been changed in a way that may need a fresh review, it can:
✓ Suspend the existing determination order, issued a notice to the game provider, and conduct an inquiry while giving the provider a chance to be heard.
✓ After the inquiry:
♦ If a fresh determination is needed, withdraw the existing order and direct the provider to stop offering the game until the new determination is completed;
♦ If the game has effectively become an online money game, take action as per the relevant provisions of the rules.
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Registration of online games:
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An online game does not need registration by default, except in the following cases:
✓ The Central Government can notify that a specific game or category of games should be registered, considering factors like:
♦ Risk of harm to users, especially children
♦ Possible negative impact on the public
♦ Number of users playing the game
♦ Amount or nature of money involved
♦ Country of origin or location of the game provider
♦ Any other reason necessary for public or user safety.
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If the Authority, while determining a game, feels that registration is necessary based on the above risk factors, it can require the game to be registered.
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Online money games cannot be registered or recognized as e-sports under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
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Registration is specific to each individual game.
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Every game offered by a service provider needs separate registration, if registration is required.
✓ Any game intended to be recognized or offered as an e-sport must be registered.
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Also Read:
India’s Online Gaming Law Now Enforceable: What Changes from May 2026
[Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, dt. 22-4-2026]
