New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has unveiled the draft Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025, laying the groundwork for a robust regulatory framework to govern India’s rapidly growing online gaming industry. The draft rules, open for public feedback until October 31, aim to protect users, formalize the sector, and distinguish legitimate e-sports and social games from banned money-based games.
The release follows the recent enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025, which prohibits all forms of online money games—including any games involving stakes, wagering, or cash-convertible winnings.
OGAI: A Central Digital Gaming Regulator
At the heart of the proposed framework is the creation of the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI)—a new regulatory body that will oversee the digital gaming space. Headquartered in the National Capital Region and headed by a senior MeitY official, the OGAI will be empowered to:
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Classify games as either prohibited “online money games” or permissible “social games” and “e-sports”
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Register online gaming companies through a mandatory certification process, with licenses valid for up to five years
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Enforce the law, with powers comparable to a civil court—allowing it to conduct inquiries, levy penalties, and block financial transactions to non-compliant platforms
Violations of the online money game ban are proposed to be treated as cognizable and non-bailable offences, indicating the government’s tough stance on illicit gaming operations.
Three-Tiered User Grievance Redressal
To enhance user protection, the draft rules propose a three-level grievance redressal mechanism. Players must first raise complaints with the game provider’s internal grievance officer. If unresolved, they can escalate to the existing Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC), and finally to the OGAI for resolution. This structure aims to deliver swift, accountable, and transparent complaint resolution.
Transparency and Compliance Disclosures
All companies seeking registration under the new framework will be required to disclose their revenue models, user safety features, and provide a written commitment not to violate the PROG Act. These disclosures aim to encourage responsible innovation while weeding out unscrupulous players.
Industry analysts view the draft rules as a watershed moment for India’s digital gaming ecosystem, balancing innovation and user engagement with regulatory oversight and consumer safety.
