India’s new online gaming regulatory system has yet to register its first game, while the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has told the Central Information Commission (CIC) that 201 complaints concerning online gaming had been received by September 1, 2026.
MeitY provided the figures after an RTI application sought information on games allowed to operate, complaints involving online gaming platforms, and action taken against fake or unauthorised services. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 and the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 took effect on May 1, 2026.
The framework established the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), which was formally constituted through a gazette notification on April 22, 2026. MeitY had initially referred to amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, but later clarified that their online gaming provisions remained unenforceable.
CIC Receives Clarification On Gaming Registrations
The RTI applicant challenged the ministry’s initial response, alleging that the information was incomplete, false and misleading. The First Appellate Authority upheld the response.
During the CIC proceedings, MeitY said the Act had been notified on August 22, 2025, while the Rules were notified on April 22, 2026.
The ministry stated, “no online game has been granted registration under the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), while 201 complaints had been received as on September 1, 2026”.
CIC Information Commissioner P R Ramesh said the RTI framework requires authorities to provide information available on record and does not require a Central Public Information Officer to create information, draw inferences or provide explanations.
The Commission said, “The subsequent written submission of the Respondent has further clarified the present position,” while concluding that the available information had been provided.
The new framework also prohibits online money games and establishes rules covering other forms of online gaming and OGAI’s regulatory functions.
Enforcement Continues Under Existing Laws
MeitY has warned that non-compliance can attract strict action. Section 5 provides imprisonment of up to three years and fines reaching Rs 1 crore for offering or facilitating online money games. Repeat offences can bring three to five years in prison and fines of Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore.
Section 6 covers advertising violations, while Section 7 addresses financial transactions linked to prohibited online money gaming.
On September 18, 2026, Delhi Police’s Special Cell registered an FIR against Real11 Fantasy Sports LLP after advocate Ajay Kumar Kasana alleged cyber and financial fraud. He said he deposited around ₹1.39 crore ($158,000), while the platform showed winnings of about ₹1.31 crore ($149,000). The allegations remain under investigation.
The case is being examined under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act and the Delhi Public Gambling Act.
The Enforcement Directorate is also investigating the Mahadev betting app case. In a supplementary chargesheet filed on September 10, it named EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti as an accused and alleged that betting proceeds entered India’s stock market through foreign portfolio investment structures.
India’s gaming framework continues alongside state-level laws.
Source:
“New online gaming law: No game registered yet, 201 complaints received, MeitY tells CIC“, telegraphindia.com, September 18 , 2026
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