Section 19: Power to Make Rules

Overview

Section 19 of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, gives the Central Government the authority to create detailed rules and regulations needed to put the law into practice. Think of it as the government filling in the specifics of how the law will actually work day-to-day.

Key Provisions

• Rule-Making Power: The Central Government can make rules for *anything* necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act. This is a broad power.
• Areas Covered by Rules: These rules can cover a wide range of topics, including how the regulatory Authority is structured (who’s on it, their qualifications, etc.), how online games and event operators get recognized and registered, how complaints are handled, what safety standards games must meet, rules about advertising, and what kind of records companies need to keep.
• No Specific Exceptions: The section doesn’t list specific exceptions to the rule-making power; it’s very open-ended.

Practical Impact

This section significantly impacts online gaming businesses and, indirectly, players. The rules created under this section will determine exactly *how* companies need to comply with the law. They will define the processes for registration, the standards for responsible gaming, and the requirements for transparency. Government authorities will use these rules to enforce the Act and ensure compliance. Operators need to actively monitor the development of these rules to avoid penalties.

Examples

• Example 1: Registration Process – The Act says games need to be registered. Section 19 allows the government to create rules specifying *exactly* what information a company needs to submit with its registration application, what documents are required, and how long the process will take.
• Example 2: Advertising Restrictions – The Act mentions restrictions on gambling promotion. Section 19 allows the government to create detailed rules defining what constitutes “gambling promotion” in online gaming advertisements, including specific wording, imagery, and platforms where such ads are prohibited. This could include rules about disclaimers or age-gating requirements.