Online gaming portal goes live in parts as regulatory framework awaits full rollout

The Centre’s digital infrastructure for regulating India’s online gaming sector is currently in a nascent stage, with the official portal of the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) indicating partial functionality even as the broader regulatory framework awaits full rollout. 

A review by e4m of the government-backed OGAI portal shows that while the platform outlines a comprehensive regulatory architecture, it is still evolving into a fully operational system for stakeholders. The portal, developed under the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), lays out the contours of a centralised mechanism for game registration, compliance, and grievance redressal. 

According to information available on the portal, the OGAI envisaged under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 is tasked with recognising, categorising and registering online games, determining whether a game qualifies as an online money game, and issuing directions and compliance guidelines for the sector. 

The platform also highlights a services-led structure, including modules for game registration, a national registry of approved games, and a complaints and ticketing system for users and operators. Developers can apply for certification of games as e-sports or online social games, with digital certificates to be issued upon approval. 

Early activity on the portal suggests limited operational rollout. The dashboard indicates that 49 applications have been submitted so far, of which 22 have been approved and certificates issued, while only two entries are reflected in the national registry of online social gaming and e-sports. 

The portal also reinforces the government’s policy stance under PROGA, explicitly stating that online money games involving bets or wagers are prohibited, irrespective of whether they are based on skill or chance.  

In addition, the platform provides access to regulatory documents, including gazette notifications issued in August 2025, though detailed rules and subordinate legislation are yet to be fully populated or operationalised on the site. 

Certificate generation will be free. The portal states, "Detailed KYC requirements will be specified by the Gaming Authority. All operators must comply with identity verification standards as per the Act provisions."

Moreover, applicants in the eSports category must hold a certificate from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS). Without this certificate, applications will not be accepted.

Grievance Redressal process

According to the portal documents, government’s proposed framework under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025 outlines a structured, three-tier grievance redressal mechanism aimed at ensuring timely resolution of disputes in the online gaming ecosystem.

According to the draft process flow, the system is designed to provide a clear escalation pathway for users, organisers, and other stakeholders, while placing accountability on online gaming platforms to address complaints efficiently.

At the first level, online game service providers (OGSPs) will be responsible for handling grievances directly. These platforms, which host registered online social games or e-sports, will be mandated to maintain a functional grievance redressal system. Complaints raised by users must be addressed within a specified timeline, failing which the complainant can escalate the matter further.

If a grievance remains unresolved or the user is dissatisfied with the response, the second tier allows for an appeal to the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC). Appeals must be filed within 30 days of the OGSP’s decision or inaction. The GAC will review cases and is expected to deliver a resolution within a targeted timeframe of 30 days. During this process, all parties will be given an opportunity to be heard.

The GAC is empowered to recommend corrective or remedial measures. In cases where an OGSP fails to comply with its directions, the committee can refer the matter to the regulatory authority for further action under relevant provisions of the Act.

The third and final tier involves escalation to the designated authority. Aggrieved parties can challenge GAC decisions within 30 days, with the authority expected to adjudicate appeals expeditiously, also within a target timeline of 30 days. The authority holds the power to issue binding directions, enforce corrective measures, and impose penalties for non-compliance.

Additionally, the framework provides for a mechanism to address further appeals arising from GAC orders, ensuring continuity in dispute resolution.

The proposed structure signals the government’s intent to introduce a formal, time-bound grievance handling system in the online gaming sector, which has been grappling with regulatory uncertainty and consumer protection concerns. If implemented, the mechanism could enhance user trust while strengthening oversight of gaming platforms operating in India.

Industry executives say the presence of a structured but still-maturing portal underscores the transitional phase of implementation. While the digital backbone for regulation is being put in place, the absence of fully active workflows, detailed compliance guidelines, and a scaled registry suggests that the ecosystem is yet to move into a steady-state regulatory regime. 

The development of the OGAI portal marks a key step in the government’s effort to formalise oversight of the online gaming sector, but its current status indicates that both regulatory clarity and digital execution remain works in progress.