Why India is banning online money games — and what survives

Rajesh Sharma1 & Bhavika JainTIMESOFINDIA.COM

May 1, 2026 | 19:27 IST

From May 1, India’s online gaming sector enters a new regime: money-based games are prohibited, while e-sports and social gaming face tighter oversight. A central regulator, payment curbs and compliance rules aim to end years of legal ambiguity

India’s online gaming industry is entering a new regulatory phase. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, passed by Parliament in August 2025, aims to ban online real-money games while establishing a formal framework for e-sports and social gaming.

TOI

TOI

Why India is banning online money games — and what survives

From May 1, India’s online gaming sector enters a new regime: money-based games are prohibited, while e-sports and social gaming face tighter oversight. A central regulator, payment curbs and compliance rules aim to end years of legal ambiguity

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TOI

Why India is banning online money games — and what survives

From May 1, India’s online gaming sector enters a new regime: money-based games are prohibited, while e-sports and social gaming face tighter oversight. A central regulator, payment curbs and compliance rules aim to end years of legal ambiguity

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