Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released draft rules for online gaming in India. These new rules aim to regulate the fast-growing online gaming industry and address concerns about potential risks to players and society. The Ministry is seeking public feedback on the draft until October 31, 2025.
Introduction of the Online Gaming Authority of India
Under the draft rules, the government plans to set up the Online Gaming Authority of India as the main regulator for the industry. The authority will have a chairperson and five members from various government departments. Its job will include:
Registering online games legally operating in India.
Determining if a game qualifies as an “online money game” (a game where money is staked or won).
Issuing directions and guidelines to gaming companies.
Imposing penalties for violations.
This authority will have the power to cancel a game’s registration if it finds any major change in the game that turns it into a money-based game without permission.
Rules About Online Money Games
The draft rules reinforce the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which was passed earlier this year. According to the Act:
All forms of online money games, such as poker, fantasy sports, and betting games, are prohibited.
Only “online social games” and e-sports will be allowed. These are games played for fun, learning, or skill development without involving money stakes.
Violating these rules will be treated as a non-bailable offence.
Not only the company owners but also the entire company staff may be held responsible if they are found helping to break these rules.
Three-Tiered Grievance System
The draft rules also propose a three-tiered system for complaints and grievances. This system will allow players and stakeholders to raise issues and get them resolved efficiently.
Level 1: Internal grievance officer in the company.
Level 2: Complaint to the Online Gaming Authority of India.
Level 3: Appeal to a government-appointed committee for final resolution.
This step ensures that players have a clear process to report problems with games or game companies.
Guidelines for Social Games
The rules call for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to create codes of practice for online social games. These guidelines will classify games into:
Recreational (played for fun)
Educational (helps players learn new skills or knowledge)
Skill-development games (improves abilities like strategy or logic)
The aim is to encourage safe and legal gaming that benefits players without risking financial losses.
Purpose Behind the Draft Rules
The government drafted these rules to address security concerns and the potential harm of online money games. With the rapid growth of online gaming in India, the government wants to protect players, especially young people, from gambling risks, addiction, and financial losses.
The draft rules also make clear that companies must be transparent in their operations. Any hidden features that encourage money gaming can lead to penalties or legal action.
Public Feedback
The Ministry of Electronics and IT has invited suggestions and comments from the public until October 31, 2025. Citizens, gaming companies, and industry experts are encouraged to review the draft and provide feedback to improve the rules.
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