Indian authorities ask for feedback on new regulations strictly governing Esports and social gaming | AGB
Summary
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) has published draft rules titled the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025, and is seeking public feedback until 31 October. The framework aims to promote innovation in esports and social gaming while enforcing a safer, more accountable online gaming ecosystem.
A new body, the Online Gaming Authority of India, would be established to register esports and social games, maintain lists of recognised titles and games linked to online money, handle grievances and impose penalties or directions on providers. All legitimate game service providers must apply for a registration certificate valid for up to five years, and titles will need recognition under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
Key Points
- MEITY is consulting on the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025; comments accepted until 31 October.
- The rules aim to balance promotion of esports/social gaming with user safety, responsibility and accountability.
- An Online Gaming Authority of India would be created to register games, maintain published lists of recognised and prohibited titles, and handle grievances.
- The Authority can block games deemed to involve ‘online money’, issue directions and impose penalties on companies.
- All esports and social-game titles must be recognised under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and service providers must obtain a registration certificate (up to five years).
- The consultation follows the earlier ban on online Real Money Games (RMG) and tightens regulatory oversight of the remaining gaming sectors.
Why should I read this?
Quick heads-up: if you build, publish, invest in or operate esports or social-game services in India, this is a game-changer. New authority, mandatory registration, published blacklists and penalty powers — and you only have until 31 October to feed into the rules. Worth two minutes of your time now rather than a headache later.
Context and relevance
The draft rules come after India’s ban on online Real Money Games and aim to tighten control over the remaining legal online gaming activities. For developers, publishers and platform operators, the proposals introduce fresh compliance obligations and administrative overheads (registration, adherence to national governance frameworks, and potential delisting if linked to ‘online money’).
For regulators and consumer groups the framework promises clearer grievance channels and enforcement powers. For the industry, it signals a more regulated operating environment in one of the world’s largest gaming markets — influencing investment, market access and product design in the months ahead.
Author’s take
Punchy: This isn’t a mild tweak — it’s a structural shift. The Online Gaming Authority could reshape how titles are certified and remain available in India. If you’re involved in the sector, treat this as priority reading and consider submitting feedback.
