India’s new online gaming regulatory system had not registered a single game by September 1, 2026, despite 201 complaints being recorded in the sector, according to information presented to the Central Information Commission (CIC).
The disclosure followed a Right to Information (RTI) request seeking information on authorised online games, complaints and measures taken against unauthorised services. The matter reached the CIC after the applicant challenged an earlier response from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, together with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, took effect on May 1. The legislation created the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), which was formally established through a gazette notification on April 22.
OGAI Has Yet to Approve Any Game
During the CIC proceedings, MeitY confirmed that OGAI had not granted registration to an online game as of September 1.
MeitY had previously referred to amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as part of the regulatory framework for intermediaries, including online gaming platforms. It subsequently clarified that the online gaming provisions contained in those rules remained unenforceable.
The RTI applicant alleged that the ministry had provided information that was incomplete, false and misleading. The First Appellate Authority nevertheless upheld the response.
CIC Information Commissioner P R Ramesh said the RTI framework gives applicants access to information held on record and does not require officials to create information, draw inferences or provide explanations. The Commission also said, “The subsequent written submission of the Respondent has further clarified the present position,” and concluded that the available information had been disseminated.
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Enforcement Remains Possible Under the New Law
The government has warned that breaches of the new framework can lead to enforcement action. Section 14 allows blocking of online gaming-related information, while Section 9 provides for criminal penalties in applicable cases.
Under Section 5, offering or facilitating prohibited online money games can result in imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore. Repeat violations can bring three to five years in prison, with fines ranging from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore.
Advertising violations under Section 6 carry penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50 lakh. Section 7 also establishes penalties for facilitating financial transactions connected with prohibited online money gaming.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to pursue cases under other existing legislation. Delhi Police’s Special Cell registered an FIR against Real11 Fantasy Sports LLP on September 18 following allegations of cyber and financial fraud. The complainant alleged deposits of around ₹1.39 crore and winnings of approximately ₹1.31 crore, while about ₹26 lakh was allegedly available for withdrawal before the account was blocked. The allegations remain under investigation.
The Enforcement Directorate is separately investigating the Mahadev online betting app case. Its September 10 supplementary chargesheet named EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti as an accused and alleged that betting proceeds entered India’s stock market through foreign portfolio investment structures.
Source:
"New online gaming law: No game registered yet, 201 complaints received, MeitY tells CIC", telegraphindia.com, September 18, 2026