What the official materials say
The government's 18 March 2026 statement explains that the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 prohibits online money games irrespective of whether they involve skill, chance or both. It also describes restrictions on offering, advertising, promoting and facilitating these games and on related financial transactions.
The 22 April 2026 announcement states that the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 take effect on 1 May 2026. The source dates and links are published below so readers can distinguish the law from old articles.
A game label is not a legal classification
The framework treats social games and recognised esports separately from online money games. Calling a product entertainment, a skill game or a demo does not by itself resolve its status. Whether money or another stake is involved and how the service actually operates matter.
This desk does not certify a particular Aviator service as permitted or offer an individual legal opinion. For a specific dispute, enforcement notice or business decision, take the current documents and facts to a qualified adviser.
Access and offshore licensing do not prove permission
- A site remaining accessible does not establish that its service may lawfully be offered in India.
- A foreign licence does not override Indian restrictions.
- INR pricing, identity verification, an age gate or a working payment form is not legal authorisation.
- Paying or withholding tax does not establish permission to operate or promote a game.
How this affects the India desk
We have withdrawn operator rankings, bonus offers and deposit routes from the India section. The existing URLs now explain the legal context, misleading promotions, account security and problems involving money already sent.