Online gaming regulation: New guidelines to take impact from October 1; authorities stresses consultative strategy with trade | India News

NEW DELHI: New guidelines for on-line gaming will come into drive from October 1, Union data and expertise minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated on Thursday.“We have had multiple discussions with them (online gaming companies and stakeholders)… and after passing the law, once again, we engaged with them,” Vaishnaw stated.

The authorities had additionally spoken to banks and different teams concerned, ANI quoted the minister.He highlighted that the method has been “very consultative” and stated there will probably be another spherical of talks with the trade earlier than the rollout.“We engaged with practically every stakeholder possible in this, and we have finalised the rules. The rules will be promulgated with effect from the first of October, and before that, we will have one more round of discussions with the industry. And in case we need more time, we will definitely consider a more consultative approach, which is our standard approach. Our government’s approach is very consultative on practically everything that we do,” he stated at a pre-event ceremony of the AI Impact Summit 2026, organised by the ministry of electronics and knowledge expertise.

He added, “In case we need some more time, we will definitely look at a more consultative approach. At present, the government is targeting October 1 for the rollout of the new legislation.”President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on August 22 to The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which Parliament handed earlier this week, ANI reported. The Bill goals to encourage e-sports and social on-line video games, whereas banning dangerous money-based gaming, their promotions and monetary transactions.According to sources, gamers themselves is not going to be penalised for collaborating in money-based on-line video games. Instead, motion will probably be taken in opposition to suppliers, advertisers, promoters and people funding such video games. The authorities says the Bill will give e-sports authorized backing and help.The Act introduces a nationwide ban on on-line video games performed for stakes. It makes providing or becoming a member of such video games a felony offence, whether or not they’re seen as video games of talent or likelihood. These offences will probably be handled as cognisable and non-bailable.The legislation additionally blocks banking help, ads and promotions linked to “online money games”.