India has clarified that online games marketed as esports must be assessed and registered by the Online Gaming Authority of India. This must happen before they can be offered under that classification.
The clarification strengthens the country’s online gaming framework by establishing a formal approval process for esports titles. Additionally, it reinforces the distinction between esports, online social games, and prohibited online money games.
Registration Required for Esports Titles
According to a written response by Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada, providers wishing to classify a game as an esport must apply to the Online Gaming Authority of India. They must do this for a determination.
The authority will assess whether the game qualifies as an esport, an online social game, or a prohibited online money game. This is determined under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules 2026.
Each game submitted by an individual provider must undergo its own assessment and registration process. This must happen before it can be offered as an esport.
Recognition Linked to National Sports Framework
The rules also require that an esport be recognised under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. This recognition must happen before registration can be granted by the Online Gaming Authority.
This creates a separate approval pathway for esports that links gaming regulation with India’s broader sports governance framework.
Online social games follow a different process. While they are not automatically subject to registration, the authority or central government may require certain games to undergo assessment where appropriate.
Framework Strengthens Classification Process
India’s online gaming legislation received presidential approval in 2025, with the accompanying regulations taking effect on May 1, 2026.
The latest clarification confirms that providers cannot independently classify games as esports without regulatory review. Instead, the Online Gaming Authority will play a central role in determining how each title is categorised before it becomes available to users.
The updated framework is intended to provide greater regulatory clarity. It also ensures consistent classification and oversight across India’s evolving online gaming and esports sectors.
