Esports and India's online gaming law

India's Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 bans online money games while recognizing e-sports and online social games. Its Rules came into force on 1 May 2026.

What is banned

The ban covers online money games, whether they depend on chance, skill or both. It also covers advertising and facilitating them, and banks and payment systems are barred from processing related transactions.

According to the government's backgrounder, offering or facilitating such games can bring up to 3 years in prison, a fine of up to ₹1 crore, or both. Advertising them can bring up to 2 years, a fine of up to ₹50 lakh, or both.

How e-sports are treated

The framework recognizes e-sports as permitted, and a registration system applies to games offered as e-sports. A game classed as an online money game cannot be registered as an e-sport.

One law firm's summary says participation fees and prize money are permitted for e-sports once they are recognized and registered. It also says the wider rules may reach tournament organizers. Paid-entry events therefore need careful legal review.

What this means for players

• Be wary of any site promising cash winnings in return for a deposit or stake.
• A skill-based game can still be treated as a money game, depending on how money is involved.
• Do not treat a platform's own claim that it is legal as proof.
• Sponsored prizes and free entry are generally simpler, but event organizers should still take advice.

What is still unsettled

On 5 August 2026, the Supreme Court agreed to hold a final hearing on petitions challenging the Act. We have not found a later decision, so this page may change.