The Indian government has taken steps to clarify online gaming rules for both gamers and developers, while also introducing an oversight authority to safeguard users. The new changes follow the earlier parliamentary ban on online betting apps. Following a similar pursuit to rid the gaming space of vulnerabilities to financial fraud, the authorities have introduced new rules under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. With these rules, the government seeks to establish a formal framework and oversight system for a sector that was previously largely unregulated.
The new guidelines introduce safety measures for users while also laying down clear instructions for companies to follow. Authorities have stated that the regulations have been framed with both ease of doing business for industry players and consumer protection in mind.
The aim behind the new rules is to bring greater transparency, accountability, and structure to India’s online gaming ecosystem.
The aim behind the new rules
The government has outlined a range of objectives behind the introduction of the new rules. It seeks to establish a clear, transparent, and time-bound mechanism to determine whether a game involves monetary solicitation. An integral part of the overhaul also includes the creation of an Online Gaming Authority of India, the establishment of a registration regime, laying down of procedures for inquiry and imposition of civil penalties, and the provision of an appellate mechanism.
The functions of the Online Gaming Authority of India would include maintaining and publishing a list of online money games, investigating complaints, and issuing directives, orders, and codes of practice. Additionally, the authority will conduct determination tests to ensure that games do not involve monetary transactions under the guise of recreational play. Under the new rules, games will be required to register upon notification by the Central Government, and a digital certificate of registration will be valid for up to 10 years.
A two-tier grievance redressal and appellate mechanism
Every game service provider offering an online game or e-sport must establish and maintain a functional grievance redressal mechanism. A user dissatisfied with the provider’s resolution may approach the authority within 30 days. The authority may then initiate penalties on the provider, proportionate to factors such as gains from non-compliance.
