India Rules Out Blanket Approval for Esports Portfolios

Gaming companies cannot secure one esports approval and apply it across a catalogue. India will assess every title from every provider on its own record.

The government stated the requirement in writing in reply to Parliament on July 29. This clarification takes an existing registration requirement and makes it a reality for publishers offering multiple competitive titles.

Portfolio Approval Is Off the Table

Under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, the determination is limited to the specific game and service provider mentioned in the application. This determination cannot apply to the same title but from another company. It also does not apply to other similar games.

The same restriction exists at the registration stage. Every game offered by each provider requires separate registration. No single certificate can cover an esports provider’s full portfolio.

That increases the workload of the companies having several products in India. Every single game will have its own application process. Another provider offering the same title must go through the process once again.

Reassessment may be required after changes to the game. A determination remains valid while no modification affects payment facilitation or the authorisation of funds. Following an inquiry, the authority may withdraw its earlier decision and order the provider to stop offering the game until a fresh determination is completed.

Sports Recognition Adds a Second Gate

The Online Gaming Authority of India first determines whether the title qualifies as an online money game. The examination process can cover the game’s technical architecture, gameplay mechanics, revenue model, user interface, and payment arrangements. The authority may also seek an expert or technical evaluation.

However, passing the above examination does not guarantee that the game becomes an esports game because the title needs to be recognized under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 for the authority to register the game. Online money games are not eligible for recognition or registration as esports.

As far as practicable, the authority must complete its determination within 90 days of receiving a complete application. It must also register an esports title within 90 days of receiving the complete application, provided the game has secured the required recognition under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

Online social games do not enter the determination or registration process automatically. The Central Government may notify categories that require review, while the authority may require registration after considering user risks, participation levels, financial transactions and other factors.

Esports follows a mandatory route. A provider intending to offer a title as an esport must apply for determination and registration.

Registration Costs Rise with Each Title

India’s new online gaming rules took effect on May 1. The latest clarification narrows the compliance question. Registration is a title-level task, not a one-off market entry form. Publishers with large catalogues will have to budget time and regulatory work for every game they bring forward.