Key Moments:
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has drafted the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025, and is seeking feedback from stakeholders.
- The proposed framework establishes the Online Gaming Authority of India to oversee game classification, registration, compliance, and enforcement.
- Industry leaders have highlighted the value of official recognition and a structured regulatory approach for boosting investment and legitimacy in India’s gaming sector.
Government Proposes New Regulations for Online Gaming
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has introduced the Draft for the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025. The initiative seeks input from stakeholders. Moreover, this feedback will help ensure the measures align with the evolving needs of the sector.
Key Features of the Draft Rules
Under the proposed regulations, the recognition and support of esports will be handled by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. A new regulatory body, the Online Gaming Authority of India (“Authority”), will play a central role. Specifically, it will oversee game classification, esports and social game registration, and compliance enforcement. The Authority will include a Chairperson and five ex officio members from different government ministries. In addition, it will decide whether a game qualifies as an “online money game,” register titles, issue directives, and impose penalties.
Both esports and social games must seek registration through the Authority. An esports title must first secure recognition under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, before it can be officially registered. The Authority will publish and maintain a National Online Social Games and E-sports Registry, listing details for all registered titles and those classified as online money games.
| Area | Requirement/Authority |
|---|---|
| Esports & Social Game Registration | Managed by the Online Gaming Authority of India |
| Prerequisite for Esports Registration | Recognition under National Sports Governance Act, 2025 |
| Registry | National Online Social Games and E-sports Registry maintained by the Authority |
| Registration Certificate | Validity of up to five years, as selected by provider |
| Grievance Mechanism | Mandatory for each online game service provider with a registered esport |
Implications for Industry Participants
Any online game service provider wishing to offer an esport must apply to the Authority. Once approved, the provider receives a Certificate of Registration. This certificate remains valid for up to five years, depending on the applicant’s choice. In the event of registration cancellation, providers lose access to incentives and support for promoting or developing their games.
Additionally, providers are required to establish a robust grievance redressal mechanism to address user concerns related to their registered titles.
Industry Leaders Respond to the Draft Rules
The release of the draft has drawn positive commentary from key industry figures, who see the measures as pivotal for the growth and legitimacy of India’s gaming landscape:
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Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming:
“By bringing esports firmly under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the government has recognised esports as a legitimate sport while creating a framework for structured growth. This should accelerate grassroots programs, open the door for state and district-level championships, and ensure players see a clear career pathway much like traditional sports. It also boosts investor and sponsor confidence. Consequently, this support is critical for scaling prize pools, infrastructure, and IP development.At the same time, the composition, impartiality, and industry knowledge of the proposed Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) will be of utmost importance. We expect that the right stakeholders, those who have worked on this industry since its inception and deeply understand the ecosystem, will be included to guide it forward. Esports is one of the most aspirational industries for India’s youth, and this step ensures that companies like NODWIN Gaming can continue to build a sustainable, world-class ecosystem that competes globally while remaining rooted in India’s sporting fabric.”
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Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO, S8UL:
“This is a landmark moment for India’s gaming and esports industry. Official recognition and a clear distinction provide much-needed legitimacy and clarity to players, creators, organizations, investors and other stakeholders. This distinction is important as it opens the door to greater societal and parental acceptance, encouraging new talent to pursue esports with the same dignity as cricket, football or badminton. It also reassures brands and investors that they are entering a structured, regulated ecosystem. This clarity is set to attract more brands and partners, unlocking larger sponsorships, creator collaborations, and grassroots programs. Esports in India is no longer just a trend. It’s a legitimate career path, and S8UL is leading the way.” -
Vishal Parekh, Chief Operating Officer, CyberPowerPC India:
“The government’s focus on gaming and e-sports is an encouraging signal that India sees the sector’s cultural and economic potential. Many games today sit in a grey area between skill-based competition and social entertainment, which can make regulatory jurisdiction complex. In this context, the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) will play a key role in providing clarity, aligning ministries, and ensuring a transparent and predictable registration process, so developers can innovate with confidence. Beyond registration, building a robust ecosystem, including dedicated infrastructure, training academies, recognition of players as athletes, and supportive policies, will unlock significant opportunities across jobs, startups, content creation, broadcasting, and global tournaments. With the right balance of creativity, compliance, and economic vision, India can emerge as a global hub for competitive gaming and innovation.”
- Author
Daniel Williams
