MEITY Issues Draft Promotion And Regulation Of Online Gaming Rules, 2025
The ministry of youth affairs and sports will oversee the recognition and promotion of e-sports, while the MeitY will be responsible for the promotion of online social games and act as the nodal ministry overall regulation: Reports
NEW DELHI: In a significant move to formalise the online gaming sector, the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has issued the draft promotion and regulation of online gaming rules, 2025 (PROG Rules). The draft rules, issued on Thursday, are open for public consultation until October 31. The draft rules propose a detailed regulatory architecture aimed at promoting e-sports and social gaming while curbing online money games.
“The central government, through the ministry of information and broadcasting, may issue codes of practice or guidelines in relation to the categorisation of online social games for recreational, educational, skill development, or such other purposes so as to ensure safe and age-appropriate social gaming content,” noted the draft rule.
The ministry of youth affairs and sports will oversee the recognition and promotion of e-sports, while the MeitY will be responsible for the promotion of online social games and act as the nodal ministry overall regulation. “The notification also provides for penalties, recovery of dues, and reporting requirements. However, the draft rule has not specified the amount of penalty and left it to the authority to decide and impose,” the draft noted.
“Where the online game service provider admits to such non-compliance, the authority shall record the admission, direct her to remedy the non-compliance and may impose a penalty as she thinks fit in accordance with the provisions of the Act and rules made thereunder,” noted the draft rule.
The draft rules propose that the regulatory authority will function as a statutory body headquartered in the national capital region and it will determine whether an online game qualifies as an e-sport, an online social game, or an online money game. It will also maintain a national online social games and e-sports registry and issue certificates of registration.
The rules also empower the authority to categorise and register games, inquire into complaints, impose penalties, and coordinate with financial institutions and law enforcement agencies for enforcement. “Online gaming service providers will be required to obtain certificates of registration for e-sports and social games, which will be valid for up to five years,” it noted.
