The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will hold its first direct interaction with online real-money gaming operators and industry associations on Monday, marking a key moment after the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
The move comes amid widespread uncertainty in the sector, with several companies suspending operations following presidential assent to the law. While MeitY officials reached out informally to stakeholders over the weekend, no formal agenda for the discussion has been circulated, according to industry sources.
Executives have voiced mixed reactions—some welcoming the long-awaited dialogue, others questioning why such engagement did not precede the passage of the legislation. A senior industry representative said that operators are particularly anxious about the notification timeline and have urged the government to provide at least a week’s prior notice before the law becomes fully operational.
Legal Challenges Mounting
The meeting takes place as the new gaming law faces judicial scrutiny. The Karnataka High Court is currently hearing a constitutional challenge filed by Head Digital Works, operator of the rummy platform A23, which argues that the Act violates fundamental rights and exceeds legislative powers. The Centre has been asked to file its reply by September 8.
Anticipating further litigation, the Union government has already filed caveats in nine High Courts to ensure that no interim orders are passed without its participation—a clear indication of its intent to defend the legislation across multiple jurisdictions.
Parallel Talks With Financial Sector
The upcoming industry dialogue follows a separate high-level consultation convened recently by MeitY with banks and payment service providers. Attendees included Razorpay, PhonePe, Stripe, RBL Bank, Yes Bank, and a Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
Those talks focused on ensuring seamless financial transactions for consumers while drawing sharper distinctions between esports, casual gaming, and prohibited real-money formats. Banking representatives reportedly sought more time to handle refunds and chargebacks, while government officials explored ways to crack down on offshore betting platforms that continue to exploit Indian payment channels.
With both regulatory and judicial battles unfolding in parallel, Monday’s meeting is expected to set the tone for how the Centre and the gaming industry navigate one of the most disruptive shifts India’s digital economy has seen in recent years.
