Welcome to the weekly FoxBonus briefing on Indian gaming. This edition reports the news neutrally; real-money online gaming is prohibited in India.
The Online Gaming Act and Rules in practice
Final rules under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act were notified on 22 April 2026 and took effect on 1 May 2026, prohibiting online money games while allowing registered e-sports and social games. A 9 October iGB analysis notes that advertising or facilitating payments for an online money game can each be an offence. Source: iGaming Business
Offshore activity after the ban
A 23 October feature examines the offshore gambling market that has grown since the ban, naming Dream11, Flutter, Junglee Games and the Mahadev app among its topics. Source: iGaming Future
Esports clarity still awaited
An early-October editorial asks whether esports registration rules have become clearer five months on, citing figures that real-money games made up 85.7% of an industry worth ₹1.7 lakh crore and about 1.3 lakh jobs across 1,900 companies. Source: TalkEsport
Play responsibly
Gambling can be harmful. Please read our safe gambling page for guidance and support. Participation is restricted to adults aged 18+ where lawful; check the rules in your state. Terms apply.
