New Delhi – In a landmark decision, the Government of India has officially recognised e-sports as a national sport and brought the online gaming sector under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This move is set to transform the rapidly growing e-sports industry by providing it with legal protection, structured regulation and international recognition.
The long-awaited draft of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules 2025 will be released this month. Under these rules, e-sports will now be treated as a skill-based competitive activity, clearly separated from gambling, betting or chance-based online games. Only fully skill-based games will qualify as e-sports.
A dedicated Online Gaming Authority will be established to register e-sports titles, enforce regulations and handle grievances—similar to how BCCI functions in cricket. Recognised e-sports titles will receive government support in the form of funding, infrastructure, training facilities and media coverage. Players will be eligible for athlete status, scholarships and participation in national and international tournaments.
Importantly, the draft rules introduce a clear separation from gambling. A separate National Sports Governance Act 2025 will ensure that betting-related games remain excluded from e-sports, preserving its professional image.
Experts believe this decision will boost India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets. With official recognition, increased transparency and stronger investment opportunities, the e-sports ecosystem is expected to become more organised, credible and globally competitive. Stakeholders now await the final notification of the rules in the Gazette of India.
