New Delhi: The Central Government has notified new online gaming regulations aimed encouraging all gaming apps in India, excluding those involving fraudulent online betting and gambling. These rules are designed to eliminate red tape for Indian game developers and startups.

Registration is no longer required for majority of gaming apps in India, excluding e-sports, those involving monetary transactions, and apps originating from other countries.

Meanwhile, those caught operating gambling or betting apps involving money will face up to 5 years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹2 crore. IT Secretary S Krishnan announced that the rules will come into effect on May 1.

The Indian Online Gaming Authority, headquartered in Delhi, has been established to monitor the gaming landscape in India and take necessary actions.

The authority consists of a Chairperson, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and IT, and Joint Secretaries from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Finance, Information and Broadcasting, Youth Affairs and Sports, and Law.