Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI)

Context

The government has set up the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) as a six-member body to regulate the online gaming sector.

About Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI)

1. It has been created under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 to establish a formal regulatory framework for online gaming in India.
2. It will function as a digital office under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and is scheduled to become operational from May 1.
3. The authority will serve as the central regulator for online games, including esports, by introducing a mandatory registration and classification system.
4. Key functions:
   1. Classifying and registering games
   2. Determining whether a game involves monetary stakes
   3. Addressing public complaints and grievances.
   4. Work in coordination with financial institutions and law enforcement agencies to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
5. It has been empowered to issue guidelines, codes of practice, and regulatory directions to ensure compliance within the online gaming ecosystem.
6. Members: 6 members
   1. Additional Secretary of MeitY (Chairperson).
   2. Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
   3. Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
   4. Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
   5. Joint Secretary from the Department of Financial Services.
   6. Joint Secretary from the Department of Legal Affairs.