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The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released draft rules for the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which was introduced back in August.

The draft outlines how online games will be classified and registered, what formats are permitted, and the powers of the proposed Online Gaming Authority of India. It also specifies how registrations can be suspended or cancelled, how grievances will be addressed, and what penalties will apply for violations.

The ministry has invited public feedback on the draft, asking stakeholders to send comments on each rule by October 31.

The Act aims to draw a clear line between gaming and gambling. Passed in August, it bans online money games while supporting esports and “social gaming” (regular video games) as legitimate forms of entertainment.

Introduced by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on August 20 in the Lok Sabha, the Bill cleared the Rajya Sabha the next day and received presidential assent by August 22.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a “major decision,” saying, “Gaming is not bad, gambling is. They call it gaming, but it becomes gambling.” He added that India should strengthen its global position in gaming and capture a larger share of the market.

The post Indian Government Releases Draft Rules for Online Gaming Act 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Turkey’s Advertising Board has banned access to 30 social media accounts for allegedly promoting illegal betting and gambling.

The board said its review found that some YouTube and other social media accounts carried content encouraging users to participate in live betting and promoting gambling.

It ruled that the advertisements violated Turkey’s Regulation on Commercial Advertising and Unfair Commercial Practices as well as the Consumer Protection Law.

If the content is not removed, the accounts in question will be permanently shut down, the board said.

Gambling is tightly restricted in Turkey. Casinos were banned in 1998 and non-state online gambling was outlawed in 2006. However, the state-run lottery, Milli Piyango, and some licensed betting services remain legal, including a limited number of online platforms. Despite these restrictions, illegal online gambling, especially related to professional football, remains widespread.

In recent years, the Turkish authorities have carried out crackdowns on illegal gambling websites, social media promotions and payment networks, arguing that such activities fuel addiction and drain billions of lira from the economy. The government has also tightened internet controls, requiring platforms to remove banned content quickly or risk heavy fines and bandwidth throttling.

Critics say the restrictions form part of Turkey’s broader efforts to assert control over digital platforms and limit online content deemed harmful or politically sensitive. Major social media companies have faced pressure to comply with Turkish regulations, including demands to establish local offices and respond to takedown requests.

The post Turkey Blocks 30 Social Media Accounts Over Illegal Gambling Ads appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Leading international gambling law and regulation conference Regulating the Game (RTG) has issued a call for expressions of interest for the final Conference Chair position of its 2026 edition, to be held from 9 to 11 March 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

Organizers explained that conference chairs will steward a day of the event and play a pivotal role in shaping dialogue, setting the tone and guiding discussions across key themes including safer gambling, compliance, governance, technology, and regulatory and sector transformation.

While some chairs have already been locked in, the final chair will be appointed to bring fresh perspective and balance to the program, ensuring diverse voices and expertise are represented in the conversations that matter most to the sector, they added.

“The caliber of our Conference Chairs underscores the influence and reach of Regulating the Game,” said Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of RTG.

“This appointment presents an exciting opportunity for a persuasive communicator to help frame critical conversations and contribute to shaping the future of gambling regulation.”

Past chairs of RTG have included IAG’s very own Vice Chairman and CEO Andrew W Scott; Professor of Marketing at the University of Nevada–Las Vegas Dr Maria Royne Stafford; Regional Head of Licensing, Government & Regulatory Affairs – EMEA/APAC at Sportradar Donata Szabo; Executive Director, Alderney Gambling Control Commission Andrew Gellatly; and Chief Commercial Officer at Gaming Laboratories International Ian Hughes, among others.

Next year’s RTG will feature an expanded program of associated events, including the popular Pitch! at the Sydney Opera House  on the evening of 9 March, the first ever RTG Global Awards & Gala Dinner on the evening of 10 March plus 15-minute Industry Spotlight Sessions for established sector leaders, Expert Masterclasses and an expanded exhibition showcase.

Interested candidates for the final Conference Chair role are encouraged to contact the RTG team at [email protected].

The post Regulating the Game issues call for 2026 conference chairs appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.