The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on April 22, 2026 notified the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, with the regulatory framework coming into force on May 1, 2026 and being widely covered in the press on April 23, 2026. The rules operationalise the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, and establish the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) as the unified, digital-first central regulator for the sector. OGAI will be a six-member body chaired by the Additional Secretary in MeitY, with five Joint Secretaries drawn from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Department of Financial Services and the Department of Legal Affairs. The framework introduces a Determination Test for game classification, mandatory registration for permissible operators, and strict transaction controls. Crucially, the offering, advertising or facilitation of online money games — defined as games involving stakes or monetary rewards regardless of whether they are based on skill or chance — is fully prohibited. Banks and other financial intermediaries are obligated to suspend transactions linked to flagged real-money games when directed by OGAI. The framework actively promotes e-sports and skill-based social games, mandates user safety features, and creates a two-tier grievance redressal system: users may first approach the service provider and, if unsatisfied, escalate to OGAI within 30 days, with a further appeal lying to the Secretary, MeitY. Briefing the media, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan stated that the rules aim to safeguard citizens from the growing menace of online money games while creating an enabling framework for legitimate e-sports and online social gaming. Penalties under the parent Act extend up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to one crore rupees.