India: Gaming

In a landmark ruling, the Apex Court has upheld GST levy on the entire stake amount paid by players on online gaming platforms in games where such stake or bet money is the prize money.

SC in Punjab State Power Corporation Limited v Talwandi Sabo Power Limited & Ors., 2026 INSC 515 , set aside the order of the APTEL and restored the penalty order of the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) against Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL).

The Supreme Court of India, through its judgment dated 20.05.2026 in the matter of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited v. Talwandi Sabo Power Limited & Ors., allowed the appeals filed by Punjab State Load Despatch Centre (“PSLDC”) and Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (“PSPCL”).

Whether you operate a fantasy sports app, an e-sports platform, an online card game, or a mobile gaming startup in India, the new Gaming Law affects you directly.

India’s digital gaming landscape witnessed another critical milestone with the notification of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 (Rules) by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) on 22 April 2026. These rules have been notified pursuant to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (Act), and are set to come into effect from 1 May 2026 onwards.

India's online gaming sector has moved from a fragmented regime of state gambling laws and court-led 'skill versus chance' jurisprudence to a central, stakes-based statutory framework.

The Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology (MeitY) has proposed amendment to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021[1] (IT Rules) marking a significant new phase in the regulation of online content.

Welcome to the November 2025 edition of Game, Set & Match Monthly, your all-access pass to the latest legal, regulatory, and industry updates in the ever-evolving world of sports and gaming—both in India and internationally.

The year is wrapping up, and while some of us may be dreaming about a winter break, tech policy isn't slowing down.