The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in India (MeitY) has introduced a revised regulatory framework for the online gaming sector, adopting what it calls a “light-touch” approach that keeps most online social games outside mandatory registration or classification requirements.

Announced by MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 are set to come into force on May 1, operationalising the provisions of the PROG Act, 2025 while attempting to strike a balance between oversight and ease of doing business.

At the centre of the framework is a newly constituted Online Gaming Authority, a digital office under MeitY that brings together representatives from finance, information and broadcasting, health, sports, power, justice and external affairs signalling a cross-sectoral approach to governance in a space that cuts across policy domains.

The rules redraw the regulatory boundaries by clearly distinguishing between prohibited real-money gaming formats and permissible categories such as online social games and e-sports. Crucially, classification or “determination” of a game will not be automatic. It will be triggered only in three cases: when initiated by the authority, when a service provider applies (especially for e-sports), or when the government notifies specific categories.

Once triggered, the determination process will follow a 90 day timeline, with outcomes issued through formal orders that apply only to the specific game and publisher, rather than across similar titles.

Registration, too, has been narrowed in scope. It will apply only to notified categories involving financial risk or large-scale participation, along with all e-sports titles. As of now, no categories have been formally notified, with the provision described as enabling rather than mandatory.

Beyond classification, the framework leans heavily on compliance and user safety. Platforms will be required to implement technical and behavioural safeguards, alongside a two-tier grievance redressal system and an appellate route through the authority. Additional obligations include data retention, cybersecurity standards, financial transaction monitoring and periodic reporting extending compliance responsibilities to banks and financial institutions as well.

Structurally, the rules simplify earlier drafts by removing provisions such as a separate section on promoting e-sports and the concept of “material change,” reducing room for interpretational ambiguity. The authority itself will comprise six members, with stricter quorum norms and faster emergency response timelines cut from seven days to three.

Registration validity has been extended to up to 10 years, while suspension and cancellation processes now include a mandatory opportunity for hearing, reflecting a more formalised enforcement mechanism.

The ministry said the revisions incorporate feedback from around 2500 stakeholders, spanning industry, academia, think tanks and legal experts many of whom had flagged concerns around definitions, governance structures and regulatory clarity.

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Global manufacturer and supplier of live table gaming solutions Abbiati Casino Equipment will be exhibiting at G2E Asia 2026.

At the three-day Macau, China, show which begins on May 12, Abbiati will present its latest innovations in high-security gaming equipment and advanced casino currency solutions, showcasing a comprehensive range of products.

These include roulette wheels, winning number displays, gaming tables, pit desks and its latest generation of high-security gaming currency featuring advanced technologies such as Holo-prismatic elements, holograms, UV security features and RFID integration.

A particular highlight will be Abbiati’s New Generation Security Gaming Currency, which offers extensive customisation options and multiple security features designed “to meet the highest industry standards while ensuring optimal operational efficiency on the gaming floor.”

The company will also present GLI-25 certified roulette wheels with the option of patented invisible laser technology for ball tracking and game status identification. All wheels are designed with Abbiati’s “Performant” profile, ensuring ultra-quiet operation.

Live table solutions

Visitors will be able to explore the range of floor-wide displays, available in various sizes and configurations, including Punto Banco/Baccarat displays in both portrait and landscape formats, with single or double-sided options and 23ins or 27ins cabinet sizes.

Abbiati will further showcase custom-designed Baccarat and Blackjack tables configured to support WDTS RFID PJM 13.56 MHz technology. WDTS will be demonstrating its table and cage technology solution on the Abbiati booth, as part of a shared and collaborative showcase for G2E Asia 2026.

Additional exhibits include Sic Bo tables with automatic dice recognition (iADR), LED playing surface technology and partner products, including Cartamundi Group, showcasing Bee-Tek i-Shoe systems and USPC Bee playing cards compatible with Abbiati displays and software solutions, as well as CMS solutions by Logismos.

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The CIS-based EMEA lineup brings past EWC experience and titles including PUBG Global Series 8 as S8UL targets Riyadh qualification.

S8UL has signed the Team Question Mark (QM) roster to represent the organisation in PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS on PC ahead of the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026. The deal was announced April 16 from Mumbai as S8UL prepares for the tournament in Riyadh, scheduled for July 21 to 26.

The CIS-based EMEA lineup includes:

• captain Roman Zinovev (ADOUZ1E),
• Andrey Ionov (Bestoloch),
• Mansur Tsimpaev (f1lfirst),
• Nikita Odobesku (Molodoct),
• and coach Yermek Torebekov (Ermaak).

S8UL said the roster will compete through the qualification pathway for a place in the 24-team event, which has a $2 million prize pool.

S8UL is adding a roster with a proven record in top-tier PUBG competition, including wins at PUBG Continental Series 7 Europe 2022 and PUBG Global Series 8 in 2025. The team has also posted a Top 3 finish at PUBG Global Series 2 in 2023 and a Top 7 finish at PUBG Global Championship 2022. The organisation said the roster has competed at both previous editions of the EWC in 2024 and 2025 and has amassed approximately $713,000 in total prize winnings.

Commenting on the move, Naman Mathur, Co-founder, S8UL said, “Signing the QM roster is a significant step for us as we continue to strengthen our presence in global esports. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is one of the most competitive titles in the world, and this team has consistently proven itself against the very best. At a broader level, this move reflects the direction S8UL is heading in. Over the past year, we have focused on building depth across our rosters and competing consistently at the highest level. As we prepare for the Esports World Cup 2026, we are committed to providing the team with the right support and resources as they aim to make a strong impact in the qualifiers as well as on the global stage.”

Roman Zinovev aka ADOUZ1E added, “Becoming part of S8UL is a big opportunity for us as a team. As a team, we’ve always believed in our ability to compete with the best in the world, and having the backing of a global organisation allows us to push even further. With the Esports World Cup coming up, we’re focused on working through the qualifiers and making sure we deliver performances that match our potential.,”

S8UL said the announcement follows its selection as a Club Partner by the Esports Foundation (EF), placing it among 40 global organisations. The organisation has also listed 13 titles it plans to enter for EWC 2026, including PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, Apex Legends, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Call of Duty: Warzone, Chess, EA Sports FC, FATAL Fury, Fortnite, Honor of Kings, MOBA Legends 5V5, Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, and Trackmania.

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