The Indian government is introducing yet another piece of legislation aimed at regulating the country’s online gaming market. Titled the Promotion and Regulation of Online Games Act, it will come into effect on October 1, 2025. Its stated goal is to promote consumer protection while still supporting industry growth.
India’s rapidly expanding online gaming sector has been under scrutiny lately. It has become one of the fastest-growing markets in the world, fueled by cheap mobile data, affordable smartphones, and a youthful population eager to engage with both casual and competitive online titles. However, the massive growth has also brought serious problems. A lack of consumer protection, rising addiction, misleading advertising, and problematic in-game monetization have sparked public demand for stronger oversight and a legislative framework designed to bring order to a sector that has long operated in a gray zone.
Scope of the New Act
The new act introduces comprehensive rules covering all aspects of online gaming, from how companies handle user data to content standards. It sets strict guidelines aimed at preventing players—especially younger ones—from being exposed to harmful or misleading gaming content. Aggressive marketing targeting children and teenagers is a key focus of the law, which places new restrictions on such practices.
Operators will also be required to implement responsible gaming measures, including tools that allow players to set spending and time limits, along with self-exclusion options for those at risk of developing harmful habits.
User data protection is another major feature of the act. Companies will be required to adopt stricter protocols in line with India’s privacy laws. Notably, the regulation does not cover only traditional and mobile gaming but also extends to platforms offering real-money play, including online casinos and skill-based card games. This sector has surged in popularity in India, and the new law acknowledges its growing role in the market.
Mixed Industry Reactions
The industry response has been mixed. Publicly, most operators—especially domestic ones—have praised the law, emphasizing its importance and the opportunities it provides for sustained growth. International companies, however, remain more cautious. Still, with India’s gaming market expected to reach $9.1 billion by 2029, it is reasonable to expect even the most skeptical operators to comply with the new rules.
Smaller studios may face the toughest challenges, as they lack the deep financial reserves of larger firms. Platforms that follow industry news, such as CryptoManiaks, note that while the initial compliance costs may be steep, most companies stand to benefit from the regulation in the long run.
This latest regulatory push aligns with global trends. Many countries are tightening rules around digital services. An area once seen as the Wild West of the internet is increasingly being brought under laws that prioritize user protection and curb abusive practices.
Impact on Players
Players will experience the most noticeable changes. They can expect greater transparency in in-game purchases and less aggressive marketing aimed at younger audiences. Features designed to help manage time and spending are also likely to become standard across popular platforms.
The iGaming sector, in particular, will undergo a significant transformation. Players who use online casinos and real-money platforms can expect stricter verification processes and safer payment systems as part of the compliance drive.
Some pushback from players is inevitable, especially from those unwilling to alter their habits. However, the overall impact of these changes is expected to be positive, with most users welcoming stronger protections.
Conclusion
With October 1 fast approaching, anxiety is spreading across the gaming industry. While most aspects of the new law are familiar, and many companies have been preparing for months, there is still some uncertainty. Experts widely agree that the first few months after implementation will be critical in determining the future direction of India’s gaming sector.
