A Landmark Moment For Indian Esports

India’s gaming industry is stepping into a new chapter. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced the Draft Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules 2025, marking a major milestone in the evolution of the country’s digital entertainment ecosystem. For the first time, esports has been formally recognised as a sport, officially brought under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This move aims to create a transparent and structured framework that encourages innovation, protects users, and drives long-term industry growth.

Industry leaders have hailed this as a transformative moment. Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL, said, “This is a landmark moment for India’s gaming and esports industry. Recognition and regulation bring clarity to players, investors, and creators, and it will push esports into mainstream culture with the same respect as cricket or football.”

While esports will fall under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will oversee the promotion of social gaming and content safety, ensuring responsible engagement across audiences.

Establishing The Online Gaming Authority Of India

The centrepiece of the new framework is the creation of the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), a national body responsible for regulating, categorising, and registering all online games. OGAI will maintain a National Online Social Games and Esports Registry, ensuring that only approved and compliant games operate legally in India.

The Authority will consist of a chairperson and five members representing ministries including Electronics and IT, Youth Affairs and Sports, and Financial Services. It will have quasi-judicial powers similar to a civil court, allowing it to oversee disputes, compliance, and governance.

Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, said, “This is a huge step forward for structured growth. Recognising esports as a legitimate sport will strengthen grassroots programs, boost sponsorships, and help establish clear career paths for players. The creation of OGAI gives the industry the regulatory backbone it needs to scale globally.”

Registration, Recognition, And Accountability

Under the proposed act, registration will be essential for both esports and online social games. Esports titles must first be recognised under the National Sports Governance Act 2025 before receiving approval from OGAI. Registered service providers will be issued certificates valid for five years and listed in the national registry.

Developers and platforms must also maintain a grievance redressal system and report any major gameplay or business model changes. Games involving monetary rewards or wagers will be categorised as “online money games” and will face restrictions on operation, advertising, and promotion.

Non-compliant or unregistered platforms could face penalties, suspension, or cancellation of their registration, ensuring that India’s gaming ecosystem grows responsibly and transparently.

Strengthening Investor Confidence And Economic Growth

Beyond regulation, the PROG Act 2025 aims to accelerate India’s gaming economy. With clear rules, investor confidence is expected to grow, driving infrastructure development, job creation, and long-term stability.

Vishal Parekh, Chief Operating Officer at CyberPowerPC India, said, “The establishment of OGAI will bring much-needed clarity to how gaming is classified and governed. India now has an opportunity to become a global centre for gaming and esports innovation if the right balance between creativity and compliance is maintained.”

A Defining Step Toward A Global Esports Future

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 signals India’s commitment to legitimising esports and fostering innovation in digital entertainment. By bridging the gap between technology, policy, and sport, the Act positions India as a serious player in the global gaming landscape.

As stakeholder consultations continue, developers, investors, and gaming organisations have the chance to shape the country’s gaming future. If implemented effectively, this framework could make India’s esports ecosystem one of the most respected and well-regulated in the world — and a potential digital export powerhouse.


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