What changed: The IT Amendment Rules 2023 and 2026 updates

India’s IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023 were a turning point for the gaming industry. The 2023 amendment introduced the concept of an ‘online real money game’ that requires platform certification and clear oversight. By 2026, multiple state governments have layered additional restrictions on top, particularly around games involving monetary stakes, colour-prediction mechanics, and fantasy money systems.

Three categories you should know

Not all mobile games are treated the same. India’s regulatory framework essentially divides them into three buckets:

• Casual games (fully legal): Free-to-play games with cosmetic-only purchases. Examples: Candy Crush Saga, Subway Surfers, Ludo King, 8 Ball Pool, Among Us, Clash Royale. No monetary stakes, no withdrawal of in-game currency.
• Skill-based real-money games (regulated): Apps that involve deposits and cash withdrawals based on skill (fantasy sports, online rummy, etc.). These need platform certification, KYC for users, and have separate state-level rules. Aktier does not cover these.
• Gambling, betting, colour prediction (banned): Apps that involve pure chance with monetary deposits and withdrawals. These are explicitly illegal in most states and routinely shut down. Aktier will never review these.

Why casual games like Candy Crush stay 100% safe

Casual games on the official Google Play Store and Apple App Store fall into category 1. They’re free-to-play with optional cosmetic purchases. Crucially, they don’t allow real-money deposits, real-money withdrawals, or wagering. The in-game currency (lives, gems, gold, candies) cannot be converted back to real money. This is the legal threshold that keeps them safe across every Indian state.

Quick legality checklist for any mobile game

Before installing a new mobile game, run it through this 5-point test:

1. Is it on the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store? Apps that require sideloading via APK are a red flag.
2. Does the app ask for UPI / bank deposit on first launch? If yes, it’s a real-money app — proceed cautiously.
3. Are there ‘withdraw cash’ / ‘redeem winnings’ options? That’s a clear indicator of real-money gaming.
4. Does it mention ‘colour prediction’ / ‘aviator’ / ‘lucky number’? These are common gambling-mechanic disguises. Avoid.
5. Is the game age-rated as 3+, 7+, 12+? Real-money apps must be 18+. If it claims to be free for kids and asks for money, something’s wrong.

What this means for everyday gamers in India

If you stick to the Aktier-reviewed catalog — every game on our site has been tested against this exact rubric — you’re fully in the legal zone. The same applies to almost everything in Google Play’s casual games / puzzle / arcade / action top charts. Trouble starts only when an app pretends to be casual but funnels users toward a wallet deposit screen. That’s why we maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy against any app with real-money mechanics, no matter how casual its marketing looks.

What’s safe — and where to start

Our Top 10 Free Mobile Games in India 2026 ranking is the safest jumping-off point. Every game on that list passes the 5-point legality checklist above. For specific categories, also see our offline picks and family multiplayer roundup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Candy Crush Saga legal in India?

Yes. Candy Crush Saga is a free-to-play casual game with cosmetic-only in-app purchases. There are no real-money deposits, withdrawals, or wagers, so it’s fully legal across every Indian state under the 2023 IT Amendment Rules.

Is Free Fire MAX legal in India?

Free Fire MAX is currently available in India and is legal as a free-to-play battle royale with cosmetic purchases. The original Free Fire was banned in India in 2022, but Free Fire MAX (the higher-resolution variant) remains active. See our Free Fire MAX review for details.

What does ‘colour prediction’ mean and why is it banned?

Colour-prediction apps are gambling apps disguised as casual games. Users deposit money and bet on the colour of a wheel or button. These rely purely on chance and are classified as illegal gambling in most Indian states.

Are fantasy sports apps like Dream11 legal?

Fantasy sports apps occupy a separate regulatory category — they’re skill-based real-money games. Their legal status varies by state. Aktier does not cover or recommend any real-money apps regardless of legal status.

Where can I report a fake casual game that’s actually a gambling app?

Report to the Cyber Crime portal at cybercrime.gov.in, or report the app directly in the Google Play Store / Apple App Store using the ‘Flag as inappropriate’ option. You can also email us at hello@aktier.in and we’ll cover it in our editorial coverage.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. All game names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Aktier is an independent editorial site and does not accept payment for editorial coverage.