PROGA 2025 Explained

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA) 2025 represents India’s attempt to regulate online gaming. Passed in August 2025, it’s now facing constitutional challenges in the Supreme Court. The January 21, 2026 hearing could reshape the entire landscape. For broader context, see our complete guide to betting legality in India. Here’s what you need to know - and why many expect significant changes.

Current Situation

The key point: PROGA is in legal limbo. It has Presidential assent but provisions aren’t formally notified. The Supreme Court is examining whether the central government even had the authority to pass it. Many legal experts expect modifications.

Timeline of Events

The Constitutional Challenge

The core argument against PROGA is straightforward: the central government may have overstepped its authority.

Why This Matters

Under India’s Constitution, “betting and gambling” is listed under Entry 34, List II (State List). This means states - not the Centre - have the power to legislate on gambling matters.

PROGA is central legislation. If the Supreme Court agrees the Centre lacked legislative competence, the law could be struck down entirely.

Previous Supreme Court Precedents

The fantasy sports industry didn’t emerge from nowhere. It was built on seven Supreme Court victories:

The Supreme Court consistently held that skill games are protected business activities under the Constitution. PROGA attempts to override these rulings through legislation - but whether it can constitutionally do so is precisely what’s being challenged.

Possible Outcomes

Many legal observers expect at minimum a carve-out for skill games, given the Supreme Court’s own prior rulings.

What PROGA Actually Says

For context, here’s what the legislation covers:

The Key Definition

PROGA defines “Online Money Game” as any online game where users pay money expecting monetary gain - regardless of skill or chance.

This is the departure from previous law. Earlier, skill games were exempt from gambling restrictions. PROGA attempts to remove that distinction.

What Remains Legal Under PROGA

Even if PROGA survives court challenge, certain activities are explicitly permitted:

Impact on You

If You Use International Betting Sites

Nothing has changed in practice. International platforms continue operating for Indian users. These sites are licensed in Malta, UK, or Curacao and accept Indian players through:

• Cryptocurrency deposits (see BC.Game for crypto focus)
• International e-wallets
• Alternative payment processors (Parimatch handles Indian payments well)

PROGA claims jurisdiction over offshore platforms, but enforcement against foreign operators has proven difficult. Millions of Indians continue accessing licensed betting sites for IPL betting and other markets.

If You Play Fantasy Sports

Paid contests are currently paused on Dream11, MPL, and similar platforms. The industry is waiting for the January 21 ruling. If skill games are carved out, expect a quick restart - these companies have maintained their infrastructure.

Free-to-play contests continue in the meantime.

Individual User Risk

Enforcement targets operators, not users. PROGA doesn’t create criminal penalties for individual bettors placing wagers. There are zero reported cases of individual users being prosecuted for online betting in India.

The practical considerations are:

• Banking: Some transactions may be blocked (use alternatives)
• Taxation: Winnings should be declared as income
• Platform choice: Stick to reputable, licensed operators

For detailed guidance on risks and practical steps, see our guide to India’s betting laws. Always bet responsibly.

The Industry’s Response

The gaming industry has adapted rather than collapsed:

Dream11

• Pivoted to free-to-play model in India
• Expanded globally to 11 countries
• Split into 8 independent startups
• Maintaining infrastructure for rapid restart
• CEO Harsh Jain: “We’ve complied immediately but remain optimistic”

Other Platforms

• MPL, WinZO: Paused paid gaming but retained teams
• Poker platforms: Some shifted to play-money
• Rummy operators: Awaiting clarity

International Operators

• Continue serving Indian market
• Enhanced payment options for Indian users
• Increased focus on IPL and Indian cricket markets

Looking Ahead

January 21, 2026 - The Key Date

The Supreme Court hearing will likely determine:

1. Whether the Centre can legislate on gambling (a state subject)
2. Whether PROGA violates Article 19(1)(g) rights
3. Whether previous skill-game precedents still apply

Our Expectation

Based on constitutional principles and prior SC rulings, we expect significant modifications to PROGA - either striking it down or carving out skill games. The Centre’s authority to pass such legislation is questionable, and the Court has consistently protected skill-based gaming.

What We’ll Update

We’ll refresh this page immediately after the January 21 hearing with:

• The ruling summary
• Impact analysis
• What it means for bettors and gaming enthusiasts

The Bigger Picture

PROGA represents a regulatory choice - ban rather than regulate. The 2018 Law Commission suggested regulation as a more effective approach than prohibition. The estimated $100 billion annual volume to offshore betting sites suggests demand doesn’t disappear with domestic bans.

Other countries (UK, Australia, New Jersey) have shown that regulated markets can:

• Provide consumer protections
• Generate tax revenue
• Reduce illegal operations

Whether India moves toward regulation eventually remains to be seen. The Supreme Court’s January ruling is the next chapter. In the meantime, use our implied probability calculator to understand betting odds and make informed decisions.

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