Government of India to Engage with Real Money Games Operators Today; Executives Express Disappointment Over Postponement of Discussion Until After the Implementation of the Online Gaming Bill
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is set to engage in a significant dialogue with online real money gaming (RMG) federations and operators. This marks the first direct engagement between MeitY and the RMG industry since the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
The discussion is expected to focus on distinguishing between esports, social games, and banned real-money games. As the date of notification for the enforcement of the law is still awaited by RMG companies, this meeting is seen as a critical opportunity for the gaming industry to seek clarity on compliance requirements under the new law.
Multiple stakeholders have received calls from MeitY officials regarding the meeting, but no formal agenda has been shared as yet, according to industry sources. Industry leaders are preparing to raise pressing concerns during the meeting, including the issue of offshore betting and gambling firms using Indian financial channels.
MeitY has held a high-level discussion with banks and payment firms, including RazorPay, PhonePe, Stripe, RBL Bank, and Yes Bank, regarding the matter. Banks have requested additional time to manage refunds and chargebacks, given the complexities involved.
Dream11, Mobile Premier League, GamesKraft, and other big league games have decided not to challenge the government's order on the ban. However, another operator has expressed uncertainty about the meeting's agenda, while another executive from a leading RMG platform expressed that the meeting should have been held before passing the online gaming law.
The new law is facing legal scrutiny in the Karnataka High Court, with the court directing the Centre to respond by September 8 regarding a petition challenging the constitutionality of the Act. The search results do not contain information about who will participate in today's meeting between the Indian government and real-money gaming operators.
Multiple questions from the gaming industry remain unanswered and will be posed to MeitY officials during the meeting. The meeting is expected to provide much-needed clarity for the RMG industry as they navigate the complexities of the new online gaming law.
