ARE THE STAKES TOO HIGH: IMPLICATIONS OF BRINGING ONLINE REAL-MONEY GAMING COMPANIES UNDER THE PREVENTION OF MONEY LAUNDERING ACT, 2002

Published On: 15/07/2025

Authors:

Naqeeb Ahmed Kazia
Garima Kedia
India's Gaming Industry Faces Unprecedented Regulatory Shift Under PMLA Framework - In response to recent enforcement actions targeting illegal betting operations, the Indian government is proposing to classify online Real-Money Gaming companies as Reporting Entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002—a move that would fundamentally alter the compliance landscape for the sector. This designation would subject gaming operators to rigorous anti-money laundering obligations, including mandatory FIU registration, enhanced customer due diligence protocols, and systematic suspicious transaction monitoring. In this article, INDUSLAW’s Naqeeb Ahmed and Garima Kedia evaluate the practical implications of this regulatory evolution and provide strategic guidance for navigating the shifting compliance paradigm in India's $3.7 billion gaming market.”