India Plans to Create New Authority to Regulate Online Gaming

As of April 2026, India has taken a major step in the digital landscape by finalizing the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025.

This new regulatory framework aims to bring order to the nation's rapidly expanding gaming market, which boasts over 591 million gamers.

The authority's primary mission is to balance fostering innovation in e-sports with protecting citizens from risks like financial fraud and addiction.

Additionally, the framework mandates data localization and requires financial institutions to verify the regulatory status of gaming platforms.

By providing clear 'regulatory certainty,' the Indian government hopes to curb illegal betting and position the country as a global hub for e-sports investment.