30 September 2026
The India's Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2024 took effect on 1 May 2024, forcing all major bookmakers and gaming platforms to revise their cash-out and promotion policies. This shifts to licensing requirements for online real-money games, which includes games of chance, games of skill, and mixed games, as well as stricter controls on advertising and financial transactions linked to online gaming.
The regulations, operationalizing the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2023, established the Online Gaming Regulatory Committee as a oversight body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. This committee is tasked with classifying online games, overseeing compliance, addressing user grievances, and coordinating enforcement with financial institutions and law-enforcement agencies across the country.
What Changed in the Law
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2023, which came into effect in September 2023, paved the way for stricter regulations around online gaming. A key change was the establishment of a national-level regulatory framework, with state governments empowered to implement their own additional rules on online gaming activities.
To further boost player protections, the Rules mandate KYC verification for all real-money gaming, prohibiting anonymous play and requiring stricter controls on financial transactions related to them. Notably, these regulations encompass a wide range of games, including poker, fantasy sports, and rummy, creating standardized rules across previously unregulated sectors.
With the new regulations in place, the Indian government aimed to ensure that online gaming activities are properly regulated and that risks such as money laundering and fraud are minimized. This move also sought to protect vulnerable groups, such as minors, from the potential harms of online gaming.
Why Bookmakers and Platforms Changed Their Rules
As both the Act and the Rules came into force, bookmakers and gaming platforms found themselves facing new compliance requirements in their operations. Required to implement stricter age verification and KYC processes, many companies had to modify their cash-linked features and promotions to remain compliant with the new regulatory framework.
This shift was particularly impactful for companies that had built their businesses around offering cash contests, virtual sports, poker, and other forms of skill-based games. With the new financial transaction monitoring requirements, businesses had to adapt by implementing more robust player verification systems and transaction tracking.
Cash-Out Rule Changes
Perhaps the most noticeable change for users was the revision of cash-out and withdrawal policies. Earlier, many platforms offered flexible cash-out options, allowing players to withdraw their funds at any time, regardless of their rank in the tournament. However, in compliance with the new regulatory framework, gaming platforms were required to implement more rigorous verification for withdrawals.
Now, players who request withdrawals on most platforms must complete full KYC verification before accessing funds, with processing times extending to 24-72 hours rather than instant transfers. Industry analysts note that these revised policies have led to improved player retention, as users complete more games while waiting for withdrawal approvals.
When it comes to withdrawing cash from the platform, policies among the main Indian fantasy sports platforms have become more standardized. Industry data shows that players can withdraw funds only after completing full KYC verification, with additional documentation now required for larger withdrawals.
Free-Bet Rule Changes
In an attempt to keep users engaged while adhering to the new verification requirements, gaming platforms modified many of their cash promotions to include more free-play options. Industry executives note that this change reflects a trend toward hybrid models where free plays help transition players into verified accounts.
Many users, however, have expressed frustration with these changes. While free bets and entries remain available, some players report reduced value in promotions as platforms adjust to the new compliance costs and taxation structures.
Impact on Major Brands
The new regulations have forced adaptation across both established and emerging gaming companies. Several of India's top fantasy and sports gaming companies, including Dream11, MPL, Gameskraft, and Zupee, implemented updated compliance systems following the regulations taking effect.
Companies like Dream11, MPL, and Zupee have emphasized their focus on compliance with the new rules. "We ensure that user verification and fund security are top priorities in our redesigned systems," a Zupee spokesperson recently told business media.
What This Means for Users
Industry analysts note that the majority of user experience changes stem from the stricter verification requirements imposed by the new regulations. Now, users are likely to encounter more detailed KYC processes before accessing real-money features, along with more prominent responsible gaming messaging.
"As these regulations become fully implemented, it's important for players to understand the verification requirements before depositing funds," advises one gaming compliance officer. Even in free-to-play modes, users should expect more account verification requirements than before.
Users should also be aware of the extended processing times for withdrawals. Previously, many platforms allowed for instant or near-instant cash-outs, but with the new regulations, this process often takes multiple business days to complete all required verifications.
Overall, the changes in the Indian gaming market have created new compliance requirements while allowing licensed operators to continue offering real-money games. For companies that successfully navigate these regulatory changes, there remains significant opportunity in India's growing online gaming market.