Breaking: MeitY to meet online gaming federations & RMG operators on Monday after bank–payment talks

New Delhi, August 31, 2025 (IST): The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will meet representatives from online gaming federations and real-money gaming (RMG) operators on Monday, in the first direct industry engagement since the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 was passed.

Industry executives said MeitY officials reached out by phone over the weekend to inform stakeholders about the interaction; no formal circular has been issued yet. One senior operator said the meeting was “overdue” and that companies will seek clarity on the law’s implementation timeline and compliance requirements.

What’s likely on the table

• Compliance timelines: Request for advance notice before enforcement and clarity on notification dates.
• Category definitions: Clear differentiation among esports, social/casual games, and banned real-money games.
• User funds movement: Smooth withdrawals, refunds, and chargebacks; bank & PG readiness.
• Offshore clampdown: Measures to block illegal betting/gambling operators using Indian rails.

Backdrop: recent bank–payments huddle

The meeting follows a high-level discussion MeitY held with banks and payment firms—including Razorpay, PhonePe, Stripe, RBL Bank, and Yes Bank—to align on the operational rollout of the new law. The session was attended by the RBI Deputy Governor, with banks seeking more time to handle refunds and chargebacks as frameworks are finalized.

Legal overhang

Meanwhile, legal challenges have begun. The Karnataka High Court heard a petition filed by Head Digital Works (parent of A23) questioning the Act’s constitutionality and has directed the Centre to file its response by September 8.

Why it matters

• First formal touchpoint: Sets the tone for how the Act will be interpreted and enforced.
• Operational clarity: Definitions and payment rules will directly impact business models, user payouts, and compliance costs.
• Consumer impact: Clear guardrails can reduce fraud risk and ensure smoother withdrawals for players.

Note: This is a developing story. Official minutes or a formal agenda were not issued at the time of publication; details may be updated post-meeting.

At a glance
• Who: MeitY × gaming federations & RMG operators
• When: Monday (IST)
• Focus: Compliance timelines, category definitions, payments, offshore curbs