India Moves to Regulate E-Sports with New Gaming Authority

The Indian government proposes to establish the Online Gaming Authority of India, under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, to regulate e-sports, digital social games, and ban real money games. The authority will have the power to approve, suspend, or cancel registration for games violating the new regulations.

In a significant move to regulate the burgeoning e-sports and online gaming sector, the Indian government has proposed the establishment of the Online Gaming Authority of India. Chaired by the Ministry of Electronics and IT, this authority aims to oversee digital social games while enforcing a ban on real money games.

The draft rules under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act 2025 outline the authority's responsibilities. It will work closely with various central government departments, including those representing youth affairs and sports, and information and broadcasting. This collaborative effort intends to promote e-sports while ensuring compliance with the Act.

Functioning primarily as a digital office, the Online Gaming Authority will have the mandate to approve e-sports and online social games for legality. It also holds the power to take stern action against games violating the Act, which includes imprisonment and hefty fines for offenders. Feedback on the draft rules has been invited by the Ministry of Electronics and IT until the end of October.

(With inputs from agencies.)