India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 will come into force on October 1, imposing a blanket ban on real-money online games. Platforms offering cash-based games, promotions, payments and financial transactions tied to such services will be prohibited. Violations may carry penalties including imprisonment (up to three years) and hefty fines. The government is holding final consultations with industry and banks, and rules under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act are to be notified by September 28.