New Delhi, April 23 -- The Central government has directed banks and financial intermediaries to halt transactions tied to certain online games when instructed by the regulator under the newly introduced Online Gaming Rules, 2026.

A key highlight is the introduction of "user safety features" as an enabling provision. These include safeguards, technical, procedural, operational, or behavioural, tailored to the risk level of each game.

Examples include age verification and restrictions, time limits, parental controls, user reporting systems, counselling support, and mechanisms to ensure fair play and integrity.

The authority will have the power to instruct banks, financial institutions, and payment intermediaries to stop transactions ass...