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2d ago

Centre Moves to Notify Online Money Games Ban as Rules, Authority Take Shape

The government told the Delhi High Court that notification is imminent, with rules plus an authority to classify banned games expected within weeks.

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The submission came during proceedings on a petition by Bagheera Carrom (OPC) Private Limited, which developed an online carrom game.

Overview

  • Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the Centre will notify the Act soon and set up an authority to define prohibited “online money games,” after which the Delhi High Court listed the case for eight weeks later.
  • Industry participants were told rules and FAQs are targeted in three to four weeks, with transition time assured and no coercive action during that period, according to people present at the first consultation with IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
  • MeitY instructed banks and fintechs to process legitimate transactions for gaming firms, including user refunds, vendor payments and tax remittances, to smooth the shutdown of real‑money formats.
  • About 25–30 companies and bodies, including Dream11, MPL, WinZO, Zupee, PokerBaazi, A23, ESFI and GDAI, met officials to discuss user fund protection, an e‑sports roadmap and pivots to free‑to‑play models.
  • Legal challenges continue, with Bagheera Carrom’s plea before the Delhi High Court and the Karnataka High Court issuing notice to the Centre on A23’s petition questioning the ban’s constitutionality.