PROG Rules

NEWS: Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) notified the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Rules, 2026

Key Provisions of the PROG Rules, 2026

• RegulatoràThe Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI)à Established as a “digital-first” attached office under MeitY for classification and enforcement.
• A 90-day determination test is introducedà distinguishes prohibited money games from permissible social or e-sports categories.
• The rules prohibit all games involving monetary stakes or wageringà but permit registered e-sports with pre-declared prize pools.
• Permitted games and e-sports titles receive a Digital Certificate of Registration, valid for up to 10 years.
• RegistrationàCompulsory for all e-sports titles and their governing entities to obtain official government recognition.

Other Provisions

• Casual/social games are deemed approved and need not register unless flagged for specific user risks.
• Banks and payment gatewaysà Must block all financial transactions linked to prohibited or blacklisted gaming platforms.
• The rules impose a comprehensive ban on promotion, sponsorship, or advertising of online money gaming.
• A statutory two-tier system allows users to appeal platform decisions to OGAI, with a final appeal to the Secretary, MeitY.
• Violations attract civil fines up to ₹1 crore and criminal imprisonment for up to 3 years.