IT Secretary S. Krishnan announced that the government will implement new regulations to oversee prediction market apps starting May 1. These rules aim to control the rapidly growing online gaming sector. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, used for betting on various events including elections and IPL matches, have drawn attention.
Krishnan highlighted that despite being banned under the Online Gaming Act, users access these apps through virtual private networks (VPNs). Addressing this issue, he mentioned the challenge of distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate VPN usage. The government is exploring ways to tackle this situation effectively.
The IT Secretary emphasized that foreign platforms offering services in India fall under the jurisdiction of the Online Gaming Act. If such platforms are found violating regulations, they can be blocked under Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. Additionally, the new regulatory framework aims to safeguard users, particularly children and vulnerable groups, while promoting India as a global gaming and digital innovation hub.
The recently introduced Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, under the PROG Act, 2025, set the groundwork for implementing the parent law passed in August 2025. These rules, developed after thorough consultations and legal reviews, establish the Online Gaming Authority of India as a digital-first regulator responsible for classification, compliance, grievance redressal, and enforcement. They also introduce a system to categorize games as online money games, social games, or e-sports.
