By News18,Pathikrit Sen Gupta
Copyright news18
The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has released the draft Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025, marking a pivotal step in regulating India’s burgeoning digital gaming sector. These rules, which follow the passage of the PROG Act, 2025, that bans all forms of online money games, establish a comprehensive framework aimed at fostering legitimate e-sports and social gaming while ensuring user protection. The draft is currently open for public feedback until October 31.
The most significant proposal is the establishment of the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI). Headquartered in the National Capital Region and led by a senior MeitY official, the OGAI will function as the central digital regulator. Its core mandate includes:
Game Determination: Deciding whether an online game qualifies as a prohibited “online money game” (involving stakes, wagers, or cash-convertible winnings).
Registration: Administering a mandatory registration process for companies to legally offer “online social games” and “e-sports” in India, issuing certificates valid for up to five years.
Enforcement: Wielding powers akin to a civil court to conduct inquiries, impose penalties, and direct financial institutions to block payments to unlawful platforms. Violations of the ban on online money games are proposed to be cognizable and non-bailable offences.
Furthermore, the draft introduces a three-tiered grievance redressal mechanism to protect users. Dissatisfied users must first approach the registered online game service provider’s internal grievance officer. If unresolved, they can appeal to the existing Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) established under the IT Rules and finally escalate the matter to the OGAI. This structured system aims for a time-bound resolution of user complaints.
The rules also mandate companies seeking registration to disclose details on their revenue model, user safety features, and a commitment to not violate the Act, underscoring the government’s resolve to clean up the online gaming space.
