After the ban on online Real Money Games (RMG) in India, authorities have announced the new framework regulating the still-allowed industries, namely eSports and online play (not RMG) is up for public review.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) is inviting feedback and comments on the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025.
The legislation has ‘the objective of promoting innovation in e-sports and online social gaming, while ensuring a safe, responsible and accountable online gaming ecosystem in the country’.
Beyond this though, it sets up the Online Gaming Authority of India – ‘a transparent framework for registration of online games, a grievance redressal mechanism for users, and safeguards against prohibited online money games and associated harms’.
The rules have already been drafted, with the authority welcoming feedback and comments until October 31st via the MEITY website.
Under the framework, the Online Gaming Authority of India can not allow a game it deems to have ‘online money’ involvement, impose penalties and issue directions to companies.
It will also act as the main body for the registration of Esports and social games, meaning, all titles have to be recognized under the National Sports Governance Act of 2025. A list of relevant online social games and Esports will be maintained and published, while a list of online games deemed to be linked to online money games will also be compiled.
That means any legitimate game service provider will have to make an application under the authority, getting a certificate of registration which is valid for up to five years.
