India’s new on-line gaming regulatory system has but to register its first recreation, whereas the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has advised the Central Information Commission (CIC) that 201 complaints regarding on-line gaming had been obtained by September 1, 2026.
MeitY offered the figures after an RTI software sought info on video games allowed to function, complaints involving on-line gaming platforms, and motion taken towards faux or unauthorised companies. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 and the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 took impact on May 1, 2026.
The framework established the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), which was formally constituted via 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, however later clarified that their on-line gaming provisions remained unenforceable.
CIC Receives Clarification On Gaming Registrations
The RTI applicant challenged the ministry’s preliminary response, alleging that the knowledge was incomplete, false and deceptive. The First Appellate Authority upheld the response.
During the CIC proceedings, MeitY stated the Act had been notified on August 22, 2025, whereas the Rules had been notified on April 22, 2026.
The ministry said, “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 stated the RTI framework requires authorities to offer info accessible on report and doesn’t require a Central Public Information Officer to create info, draw inferences or present explanations.
The Commission stated, “The subsequent written submission of the Respondent has further clarified the present position,” whereas concluding that the accessible info had been offered.
The new framework additionally prohibits on-line cash video games and establishes guidelines overlaying different types of on-line gaming and OGAI’s regulatory capabilities.
Enforcement Continues Under Existing Laws
MeitY has warned that non-compliance can entice strict motion. Section 5 offers imprisonment of as much as three years and fines reaching Rs 1 crore for providing or facilitating on-line cash video games. Repeat offences can carry three to 5 years in jail and fines of Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore.
Section 6 covers promoting violations, whereas Section 7 addresses monetary transactions linked to prohibited on-line cash gaming.
On September 18, 2026, Delhi Police’s Special Cell registered an FIR towards Real11 Fantasy Sports LLP after advocate Ajay Kumar Kasana alleged cyber and monetary fraud. He stated he deposited round ₹1.39 crore ($158,000), whereas the platform confirmed winnings of about ₹1.31 crore ($149,000). The allegations stay below investigation.
The case is being examined below the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act and the Delhi Public Gambling Act.
The Enforcement Directorate can be 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 inventory market via overseas portfolio funding constructions.
India’s gaming framework continues alongside state-level legal guidelines.
Source:
“New online gaming law: No game registered yet, 201 complaints received, MeitY tells CIC“, telegraphindia.com, September 18 , 2026
