The IT Ministry has notified the much-awaited online gaming rules. These rules provide the procedural framework to govern the Regulation Act and online gaming promotion, as well as on the basis of which an Online Gaming Authority can be formed.

S Krishnan (IT Secretary) said that if most online games are not real money games, i.e. those which do not involve monetary transactions, they will not necessarily require registration. Monitoring will be started only under certain circumstances. However, 'eSports' will require mandatory registration. He said, we wanted to keep this entire process with minimal regulatory interference as far as possible. Most games that are not money games will be able to operate without any mandatory registration, so the entire process is optional.

S Krishnan said, we are not forcing anyone to apply to determine whether it is an online money game or an online social game or eSports. However, such determination will commence in three situations. The first situation is where the authority itself takes cognizance and does so. The second situation is where eSports games are involved. S Krishnan said, under the third situation, the Central Government can notify any specific category of social games, which at present we have not specifically notified.

He said that user security features have also been clearly defined in the rules. The Act bans online real money gaming while promoting eSports and online social gaming in India. The ministry had invited suggestions on these rules in October 2025.

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