India has introduced a clearer regulatory framework for online gaming, drawing an important line between esports and social games on one side, and online money games on the other.The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 came into force on May 1, 2026, operationalising the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The government says the framework is intended to promote legitimate gaming while protecting users from financial and social harms associated with online.