The commencement notification
The Gazette of India notification S.O. 1994(E), issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on 22 April 2026, appoints 1 May 2026 as the date on which the Act’s provisions come into force. The official Gazette copy is linked below. The Ministry’s Act-and-policies page also lists the Act and related 2026 materials.
What the Act says about online money games
Section 5 prohibits offering, aiding, abetting, inducing or otherwise engaging in the offering of an online money game and an online money gaming service. Section 6 addresses advertisements that directly or indirectly promote or induce a person to play an online money game. The statute’s definitions include whether a game involves a fee, deposit or other stakes in expectation of monetary or other gains; read the full Act and applicable rules rather than relying on a short website summary.
The Act also defines online social games
The Act defines an online social game as one that does not involve staking money or other stakes or participation with the expectation of winning monetary gain, may allow an access fee that is not a stake or wager, and is offered solely for entertainment, recreation or skill development, while not being an online money game or e-sport. Whether a specific product fits a statutory definition depends on its real mechanics and applicable official interpretation. This page does not decide that question.
Do not infer a product’s status from its name
A brand label, “free” badge or virtual-credit name cannot by itself establish legal classification. The Act defines “other stakes” to include certain credits, coins, tokens or similar items purchased directly or indirectly in relation to a game. Check how a product actually works, the official rules and notices, and seek qualified legal advice for a particular situation.
Official sources and limits
Use the Government of India Gazette notification and the Ministry’s official Act-and-policies page. The central Act does not replace careful review of all other applicable laws, rules or facts. This independent website is not a government site, law firm or regulator. Last source review: 13 October 2026.
Official sources
Common questions
When did the Act come into force?
The Gazette notification appoints 1 May 2026 as the commencement date.
Does this page decide whether a specific Teen Patti app is lawful?
No. It is a source guide, not a legal classification or legal advice.
Does the word “social” or “free” settle the legal status?
No. The statutory definitions depend on the actual mechanics and applicable rules.
Where can I read the official documents?
See the links to the eGazette notification and MeitY source page below.
Play responsibly. Real-cash games are entertainment, not income. Set time and budget limits and take breaks. Read our responsible gaming guide.