The forthcoming framework, effective from May 1 under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025, is focused on simplifying regulatory procedures while increasing scrutiny over games that may pose risks to users, particularly minors.
Krishnan mentioned that the rules were improved following an extensive consultation process. “We received roughly 2,500 comments on the regulations… based on that feedback and suggestions, we have further simplified the rules. We’ve decreased the number of procedural steps required,” he remarked.
A significant alteration is the easing of registration mandates for online social games. According to Krishnan, “we have… made registration for online social games entirely optional. It is no longer mandatory.” He noted that only specific categories, such as esports, will necessitate compulsory registration, while the government will specify other games that might require compliance based on certain criteria.
These criteria involve assessing the potential risks a game may present, particularly to children, the financial transactions involved, the user base, and the game’s origin. This targeted strategy is designed to facilitate market entry for startups and innovators while ensuring that high-risk segments remain under regulatory supervision.
The regulations also optimize the approval process by establishing a single-stage determination mechanism. “The entire inquiry process is now conducted only once at the determination stage… and the authority must decide within 90 days,” Krishnan stated, highlighting that this will minimize delays and uncertainty for gaming companies.
The overarching framework aims to activate the Online Gaming Authority of India, responsible for overseeing classification and compliance across various categories, including online social games, online money games, and esports. Stakeholders in the industry are expected to enjoy quicker approvals and more transparent regulatory pathways.
Simultaneously, the government is enhancing enforcement against illegal and harmful gaming practices. Krishnan mentioned that financial institutions will play a role in ensuring compliance. “They must verify, when facilitating transactions, whether the game is legal,” he noted, referring to provisions that ban transactions related to prohibited online money games.
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The ministry has also increased efforts against offshore betting and gambling platforms. “Over 3,000 such applications and URLs have already been blocked in India, and we continue to take ongoing action,” Krishnan added.
The combination of relaxed entry requirements and stricter enforcement aims to cultivate a more structured and accountable online gaming landscape while supporting the growth of legitimate businesses in the industry.
