How can players check a platform is licensed?

Check the regulator's published list of licensed operators and verify licence numbers and published audit statements on the operator's site.

Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 — Complete Guide

Q: Is every online game banned?

No — the Act targets specified money-based games. Social and many skill-based games may remain permitted under licence or conditions.

Q: When did the Act come into effect?

Parliament passed it in August 2025; the exact commencement date and rules are published via official gazette/regulator notifications.

Saari important jaankari ek jagah — overview, key provisions, compliance checklist, legal challenges, FAQs aur resources. SEO optimized aur reader-friendly.

Official resources FAQs

National regulation

Licensing & KYC

Responsible gaming

Overview

Yeh guide explain karta hai ki Online Gaming Act, 2025 kya hai — kisko affect karta hai, kya obligations hain, aur kya penalties ho sakti hain. (Informational only, not legal advice.)

Status

Passed by Parliament — Aug 2025. Commencement notified separately by government.

Main effect

Regulates online gaming, restricts certain money-based games, mandates licensing, AML/KYC and consumer protections.

Timeline & Important Dates

Introduced: Lok Sabha — Aug 2025.
Passed: Parliament vote — Aug 2025.
Commencement: Watch official gazette / regulator notifications for effective date.

Key provisions

Ban on certain money games: Specified formats involving stakes/wagers may be prohibited.
Regulator & licensing: Central authority to issue licences, set technical standards and supervise operators.
Player funds & AML/KYC: Segregation of funds, KYC processes and AML reporting required.
Responsible gaming: Age checks, deposit/time limits, self-exclusion tools and ad restrictions.
Penalties: Fines, suspension, blocking and criminal liability for serious offences.

Compliance checklist — platforms

Map products to Act definitions; pause money-related features until licensed.
Implement robust KYC & AML workflows aligned to PMLA/RBI guidance.
Segregate player funds in escrow/bank accounts and publish transparency statements.
Provide responsible gaming tools: age gate, self-exclusion, deposit limits, clear T&Cs.
Maintain logs, RNG audits and be ready for independent audits.
Engage legal counsel for licensing and state-vs-central law implications.

Impact — industry & users

Short-term disruption for money-game platforms; long-term clarity could spur regulated esports and skill-game growth. Monitor industry analyses and government notifications for sector guidance.

Legal challenges

Key legal questions: federal vs state powers, "skill" vs "chance", proportionality of restrictions. Cases and petitions will shape final interpretation.

FAQs

Is every online game banned?

Nahin — Act specified money-based games target karta hai; social and many skill-based games may remain allowed under licence/conditions.

When did the Act come into effect?

Parliament ne August 2025 me pass kiya; exact commencement date official gazette me publish hoti hai.

How can players verify a licensed platform?

Regulator ki website par licensed operators ki list publish hogi. Verify licence numbers & audit statements there.