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Is Online Gambling Licensing Available in India?
In India, legislative jurisdiction is shared between the central and state governments. Until recently, most Indian state laws have prohibited gambling with exemptions for games “where there is a preponderance of skill over chance”. That licensing regime covered skill games (conducted on websites, mobile platforms, or any other online media). The allowed gambling activities were specified in the Nagaland Online Games of Skill Act, 2016.
However, the legal framework changed with the federal Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which came into force on May 1, 2026. The Act prohibits online money games regardless of whether they involve skill or chance. The Act’s prohibition applies nationwide, and state-level regimes cannot be relied on to offer online money games.
The Act’s constitutionality is currently under review by the Supreme Court of India. As of October 2026, the challenge remains pending. Separate provisions apply to permitted categories, including esports and online social games.
What Requirements Must Operators Meet Before Applying?
Under India’s PROG Act, 2025 and the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, permitted online gaming activities include online social games and esports. Most online social games do not require prior registration, although the Central Government may designate categories that must undergo determination or registration.
Esports must meet the statutory requirements, including recognition under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. They may offer performance-based prize money and charge entry or participation fees for legitimate competition-related purposes but must not involve betting or wagering.
The regulator is the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI). An operator intending to offer a game as an esport must apply for determination by OGAI and obtain the required recognition. OGAI assesses whether the game qualifies as an esport and is not a prohibited online money game. Determination should be completed within 90 days of receiving a complete application.
Once the determination has been issued and the required sports recognition confirmed, OGAI registers the esport and issues a digital Certificate of Registration instead of a traditional commercial betting license. The certificate may be valid for up to 10 years.
What Documents Are Needed for Registration?
The list is not fully supported by the published rules. The Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) can request additional information. Typically, to register, an entity must submit the following documents:
- NSGA recognition certificate;
- corporate & identity documents;
- technical security audit report;
- user safety & policy protocols.
To understand exactly what documents are needed for a particular case, please reach out to SBSB fintech lawyers.
How Does the Application Process Work in India?
It is required to digitally submit the application with corporate registration details, KYC documents, and technical appliances through the official OGAI online portal. The evaluation process lasts for up to 90 days from the date of application.
Alternatives to Gambling Licensing in India for Real-Money Gaming Operators
Since online money games cannot be legally offered to users in India, operators have two realistic paths:
- Stay in India with a permitted product. Restructure the offering as an esport (with NSGA recognition and OGAI registration) or an online social game without stakes. SBSB can assess whether your product qualifies and support the determination process.
- Focus on other markets. Operators can obtain a licence in a gambling jurisdiction such as Malta (MGA), Anjouan, Nevis or Tobique, and serve markets where online gambling is permitted. Note that a foreign licence does not legalise services for Indian users: the PROG Act applies to offshore platforms targeting India, and licensing authorities generally require operators to block jurisdictions where gambling is prohibited. Many operators also look at regulated markets such as Brazil and other Latin American countries.
SBSB can help you choose a jurisdiction that matches your target markets and business model.
FAQ About Gambling Licenses in India
Who needs a gambling license in India?
Online money games are prohibited nationwide under the PROG Act, 2025, so no licence for online gambling is available. Land-based gambling is regulated separately by the states.
What affects the cost of an esport registration in India?
OGAI does not specify or mandate a public application fee for the digital Certificate of Registration for esports.
How long does it take to obtain an esport registration in India?
Timing depends on regulator workload, document readiness, and other factors. Officially, the evaluation process may last for up to 90 days from the date of application.
How can SBSB help with OGAI registration in India?
SBSB can assess the jurisdiction, prepare the OGAI registration roadmap, coordinate company formation, draft policies, support technical and compliance requirements, and communicate with local advisors during the application process.
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