OGAI Set to Overhaul India’s Gaming Sector With Court-Like Powers

India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has released the draft Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025, after the law passed Parliament. The Act, open for public consultation until October 31, seeks to create a secure, innovation-friendly ecosystem for digital gaming by promoting esports and social games while imposing a nationwide ban on all real money games (RMGs). At the center of India’s draft Online Gaming Act 2025 is the newly created Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), a national regulator designed to bring accountability, consumer protection, and legal discipline to the country’s booming online gaming industry. OGAI holds sweeping powers akin to a civil court, granting it the ability to summon witnesses, investigate complaints, examine evidence, suspend or cancel registrations, and enforce penalties.

Biggest Inclusions in India’s New Gaming Law

All online games involving stakes, entry fees, or deposits for monetary returns, regardless of skill or chance, are prohibited. This makes RMG platforms like online rummy, poker, and fantasy sports illegal, overriding earlier legal distinctions.

Severe Criminal and Transaction Penalties

Offering, facilitating, or advertising RMG services attracts up to three years’ imprisonment (five for repeat offenders) and heavy fines of up to INR 2 crore. Facilitating transactions also becomes a punishable offense, and banks/digital wallets must block such payments. There is a 180-day grace period for refunds of pre-Act deposits.

Expanded Ban on Advertising and Promotion

Any form of advertising or promotion for banned real-money games is strictly prohibited across all media, digital, print, TV, or social platforms. Violations bring up to two years' imprisonment and up to INR 50 lakh in fines, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses. The Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) is empowered to instantly order takedowns of offending ads, ban promotion of any title deemed an online money game, and compile a public list of prohibited games for platforms, agencies, and influencers to avoid. Media outlets, digital agencies, and even celebrities endorsing RMG risk corporate and personal liability. The Act builds on previous advisories from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, now making such bans mandatory and enforceable with criminal penalties.

Gaming Authority and Centralised Oversight

The Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) is established as a quasi-judicial regulator with broad investigatory powers: licensing, classifying, and monitoring all online games; maintaining a national registry; and fast-tracking complaints with civil court-like powers. All platforms must register, comply with prescribed age-ratings and revenue models, and are liable for violations. Offshore services targeting Indian users are also subject to prosecution.

Social, Educational Games and Esports Focus

Esports are formally recognized as a legitimate sport, receiving institutional support, guidelines, and registration under the National Sports Governance Act. Social and educational games for recreation or skill development are supported but must be registered and include no monetary stakes. The government will launch initiatives to grow and promote these categories, with ongoing oversight by the OGAI.

Enforcement and Website Blocking

Non-compliant platforms, including offshore RMG operators, face immediate blocking under the IT Act, as their activities now count as cognizable and non-bailable offenses. This draft signals a sweeping transformation of India’s gaming landscape. RMG giants must pivot, legal compliance will tighten, and esports plus safe social gaming are set to flourish under stricter central regulation.