On Thursday, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, confirmed that the nationwide prohibition on online real money gaming (RMG) is set to be formally enforced starting October 1. He noted this implementation date could shift only if the RMG industry presents compelling reasons for a delay. Vaishnaw’s announcement came during an informal discussion ahead of India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit, scheduled for February next year.
While some legal challenges against the ban are ongoing, the real money gaming sector has largely begun winding down operations and processing player refunds. This widespread compliance, even before formal notification, indicates the government’s confidence in proceeding with the prohibition. The legislation enabling this ban, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, was swiftly passed by Parliament last month, receiving Cabinet approval within 72 hours.
Minister Vaishnaw elaborated on the rigorous process leading to this decision: “We engaged extensively with banks and virtually every relevant stakeholder. As a result, we have successfully finalized the rules.” He reiterated, “These rules will be promulgated with effect from October 1st. We plan one final round of discussions with the industry before then, and if they require additional time, we are certainly open to a more conservative approach.”
In other significant news, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has also completed the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025. Vaishnaw stated that these crucial rules would be formally notified by September 28 at the latest.
These DPDP Rules have been keenly awaited, as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, though passed two years ago, cannot be enforced without them. Their notification will finally activate the comprehensive data protection framework for India.
Concerns have been raised by news media representatives to the IT Ministry regarding potential impacts on journalists collecting data under the new Act. The Ministry previously assured these groups that it would issue Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to clarify these points. Minister Vaishnaw confirmed that these FAQs would be released soon after the formal notification of the DPDP Rules.