Union IT and Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 will come into force on 1 October.
The new law will outlaw most real-money online gaming (RMG) and associated advertising nationwide. It will also prohibit payments, promotions, and financial transactions linked to money-based gaming platforms. Offences could attract penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment and/or fines of up to Rs 3 crore.
At the same event, Vaishnaw said rules for the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 are ready and are likely to be notified by 28 September.
Officials noted that refunding player balances remains a priority, with mechanisms being worked out alongside banks to ensure timely repayment. Vaishnaw added that the government may allow additional consultations if gaming firms seek more time for compliance.
