Last updated: 10 November 2026
Ads and influencer posts for a Goplay game still appear on social feeds, in Telegram channels and in WhatsApp forwards, often with promises like “cash prizes every day” or “₹500 joining bonus”. In India, promoting online money games has been illegal since 1 May 2026. This guide explains what the law says about these ads and where you can report them.
GoPlays11 is an independent information site. We don’t run ads for, or link to, any real-money game.
What the law says about gaming ads
Section 6 of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (MeitY text) bars anyone from making, or being involved in making, an advertisement in any media “which directly or indirectly promotes or induces any person to play any online money game”. An online money game is any game, skill or chance, where users pay fees, deposit money or other stakes expecting to win money or other enrichment.
Section 9(2) sets the penalty for such ads: up to two years in prison, a fine of up to ₹50 lakh, or both. Under Section 9(5), a repeat conviction carries two to three years and a fine of ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore.
The rule is not only for game companies. On 29 July 2026 the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) issued an advisory to app stores, social media platforms, OTT services, banks and advertising agencies. ThePrint reported that it directs them to pull related ads, disable such apps and block payments, and warns that non-compliance can lead to blocking under Section 14 of the Act. The advisory is listed on OGAI’s page on the MeitY website.
Which Goplay game ads cross the line
Not every Goplay game ad is illegal. A casual game with no stakes, or a free fantasy league with no entry fee and no cash prizes, is an online social game, and those are allowed. Warning signs that an ad promotes a money game:
- “Deposit”, “add cash”, “recharge wallet” or “first deposit bonus”
- Cash prizes, “real money” or “instant withdrawal to UPI”
- Referral rewards paid in money for bringing friends who deposit
- Screenshots of winnings or bank credits used as proof
- “Download the APK from this link” because the app “isn’t on the Play Store”
For how the various Goplay games differ, see our Goplay game explainer.
Where to report a Goplay game ad
1. The platform where you saw it
Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X and Telegram all have a “Report” option on ads and posts. Choose the option for scams, fraud or gambling where available. Following the OGAI advisory, platforms have been told to remove ads that promote online money games.
2. ASCI, for misleading ads
The Advertising Standards Council of India accepts complaints from anyone about ads that are misleading, untruthful or harmful. Its complaint FAQ says registration is free and asks for the advertiser or brand name, the date, time and medium, a copy or description of the ad, and your specific objection. ASCI doesn’t take anonymous complaints, and it notes that it doesn’t handle fraud cases or straightforward violations of law. Those go to the authorities below.
3. Sanchar Saathi Chakshu, for calls, SMS and WhatsApp
If the “ad” reached you as an unsolicited call, SMS or WhatsApp message, report it on Chakshu on Sanchar Saathi, the Department of Telecommunications’ portal for suspected fraud communication.
4. Cybercrime portal and 1930, if money is involved
If you paid money after seeing an ad, call 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in as soon as possible. Our Goplay game scam reporting guide explains what evidence to keep.
5. The Online Gaming Authority of India
Section 8(5) of the Act lets the Authority respond to complaints about online games that harm users’ interests, sent in writing or electronically. OGAI’s MeitY page lists its postal address at Electronics Niketan, CGO Complex, New Delhi, and an email contact.
What to save before you report
- A screenshot or screen recording showing the ad, the account name and any cash or bonus claims
- The link to the post or channel, and the date and time you saw it
- Any link, app name or package name the ad pointed to
- Payment receipts or UPI transaction IDs, if you paid anything
Don’t click through, sign up or deposit just to “test” an ad, and never share OTPs with anyone who contacts you from one.
Part of our hub: GoPlay 11 app and Goplay game hub · Goplay game explained · Goplay game scam? How to report it
Frequently asked questions
Are Goplay game ads legal in India?
Ads for free games with no stakes are allowed. Ads that promote playing for money, deposits or cash prizes are banned under Section 6 of the 2025 Act, with penalties of up to two years in prison and a ₹50 lakh fine.
Where can I report a Goplay game ad?
Report it on the platform first. You can also complain to ASCI about misleading ads, use Chakshu on Sanchar Saathi for calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages, and call 1930 or use cybercrime.gov.in if you lost money.
Can influencers be penalised for promoting money games?
Section 6 applies to anyone who makes or is involved in making such an ad, not only the game company. Courts decide individual cases.
Is a Goplay game with free coins an online money game?
Not if the coins can’t be bought with money or converted back into money or prizes. Under the Act, coins or tokens bought with money count as ‘other stakes’.
18+ only. This is general information, not legal advice.
GoPlays11 is an independent news and information site. We are not the GoPlay11 app, we are not linked to its operators, and we do not host or distribute any APK files.