How to Register Online Gaming Platform with MeitY-Recognized SRB?

India’s online gaming industry is growing at a remarkable rate, which is boosted by increased internet access, smartphone usage and a rising interest in digital entertainment and various another high-tech medium. However, this growth also brings the need for regulation to protect users and to ensure transparency and accountability. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has introduced a regulatory framework in the April 2023, it requiring real-money online gaming platforms to register their games with Self-Regulatory Bodies (SRBs) recognized by MeitY.

This blog provides a detailed overview of how to register your online gaming platform with a MeitY-recognised SRB, covering the legal background, eligibility, documentation, process, post-registration compliance, and frequently asked questions.

Legal Background: Why SRB Registration is Necessary?

MeitY amended the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 in April 2023, specifically targeting the regulation of real-money online gaming. These amendments introduced a framework under which only those real-money games that are verified by MeitY-designated Self-Regulatory Bodies (SRBs) and declared as Permissible Online Real Money Games (PORMGs) can legally operate in India.

A three-month compliance window was provided after the amendment to allow various SRB infrastructure to be get established and platforms to initiate or begin their registration process.

The core objectives of the amendment include: -

• Ensuring user safety and responsible gaming.
• Preventing addiction and financial harm.
• Prohibiting betting and gambling-based games.
• Establishing a legal structure to vet and regulate gaming platforms.
• Promoting transparency and investor confidence.

Who Is an Online Gaming Intermediary (OGI)?

An Online Gaming Intermediary (OGI) is defined as any platform that enables users to access one or more online games over the internet. This includes platforms that host or offer: -

• Real-money skill-based games.
• Fantasy sports contests.
• Strategy-based tournaments.
• Games involving entry fees and cash rewards...!

Platforms offering purely casual or free-to-play games without monetary rewards are currently outside the scope of the SRB registration requirement. However, future regulations may expand coverage to include them.

Who Needs to Register with an SRB?

You are required to apply for SRB registration if your platform:

• Offers real-money games where users pay to participate and can win money or prizes
• Operates as an online gaming intermediary
• Seeks to list its games as “Permissible Online Real Money Games” under Indian law

Note- Games involving betting, gambling, or wagering are strictly prohibited and cannot be verified by any SRB. Hosting or promoting such games may lead to the consequence of platform blocking as per the Section 69A of the IT Act and may lead to legal consequences under relevant state gambling laws.

MeitY-Recognized Self-Regulatory Bodies

As of now, MeitY has granted in-principal approval to several industry bodies to function as SRBs. These include:

• All India Gaming Federation. (AIGF)
• Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports. (FIFS)

(Note: As of now, only AIGF and FIFS are publicly confirmed by reliable sources as MeitY-recognized SRBs. E-Gaming Federation is not officially listed as a recognized SRB.)

These SRBs are at different stages of operational readiness and will play a vital role in maintaining legal compliance within the online gaming ecosystem.

Their responsibilities include: -

• Reviewing and verifying games submitted for approval.
• Publishing a list of verified permissible games.
• To monitoring compliance with IT Rules and responsible gaming obligations.
• Issuing a verification badge for the approved and verified games.
• Receiving reports and grievances related to game safety or misconduct.

Step-by-Step Guide to SRB Registration

Step 1: Establish a Legal Business Entity

Ensure your gaming platform is operated by a legally incorporated business entity in India. Common entity types include:

• Private Limited Company.
• Limited Liability Partnership. (LLP)
• Registered Partnership Firm.
• Sole Proprietorship…! (less preferred due to liability concerns)

Also secure the following:

• PAN and GST registration.
• Shops and Establishment License. (if applicable)
• Corporate bank account and digital signatures.

Step 2: Ensure Your Game is Legally Compliant

Your game must fulfil these core criteria to qualify as a Permissible Online Real Money Game: -

• It must not involve any form of betting or wagering
• It must involve a clear preponderance of skill over chance
• Game logic must reward player expertise, decision-making, or timing
• Age and identity verification (KYC) must be implemented
• Responsible gaming tools (deposit limits, session time caps, parental controls) must be active
• No game should encourage psychological or financial harm

SRBs may require independent legal opinions or game evaluations by third-party experts to establish that your game is skill-based.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documentation

Prepare the following documents before applying: -

• Certificate of Incorporation.
• PAN, GSTIN, and business licenses.
• Detailed game structure, rules, logic and skill explanation.
• Screenshots or demo links of gameplay.
• Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and Refund Policy.
• Internal Responsible Gaming Policy.
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism.
• KYC and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols.
• Server location declaration and data privacy compliance.
• Details of directors, compliance officers, and key managerial staff.

Step 4: Apply to a MeitY-Recognized SRB

Visit the website of an SRB (such as AIGF or FIFS) and begin the online application process. The typical process includes:

• Filling an online form with platform and game details.
• Uploading all supporting documents.
• Scheduling a game demo or meeting. (if requested)
• Paying the processing fee, which varies by SRB. (as there is no government-prescribed standard)

Note: Some SRBs may require legal certification of the game’s "skill" element or a risk assessment audit.

Step 5: SRB Verification and Outcome

The SRB will review the application based on:

• Game legality and adherence to IT Rules.
• Compliance with skill-based criteria.
• User protection, data security and anti-addiction tools.

Possible outcomes include: -

• Approval: Your game is listed as a verified Permissible Online Real Money Game.
• Query: SRB requests more documents or changes.
• Rejection: If the game fails to meet legal or compliance criteria.

Once it gets approved, the SRB will issue a Verification Certificate or Badge, which must be displayed on your game interface or a website…!

Post-Registration Compliance Requirements

Registering with an SRB is not a one-time task but its ongoing compliance is essential. Key requirements include: -

1. Appoint Key Compliance Personnel

• Grievance Officer (resident in India): Must respond to user complaints within 72 hours
• Chief Compliance Officer (resident in India): Responsible for regulatory compliance
• Nodal Contact Person (24x7 coordination with law enforcement)

2. Implement User KYC and Age Verification

• Only users aged 18 and above may get access real-money games
• KYC must comply with the prescribed RBI-level standards before accepting user deposits

3. Ensure Data Security and Local Storage

• Host data on servers located in India or comply with Indian IT laws on cross-border data transfers.
• Adopt encryption and privacy safeguards.

4. Display Transparent Policies

• Terms of Service, refund policy, gameplay rules and grievance redressal processes must be clearly published.

5. Prohibit Credit or Deferred Payments

• Platforms must not offer credit or enable third-party financing to users for playing real-money games

6. Submit Monthly Reports to SRB

Include:

• Number of games verified.
• Number of users onboarded.
• Grievances received and redressed.
• Any game modifications or risk alerts...!

Conclusion

As India’s digital economy grows and evolves with the time, online gaming platforms need to adapt to the evolving and latest regulatory framework. Registration with a MeitY-recognized Self-Regulatory Body is not just a legal obligation, but also a proper strategic necessity to gain user trust, attract investors, and scale operations securely.

If you’re planning to launch or operate a real-money gaming platform in India, ensure you’re registered with a valid SRB, and fully compliant with the IT Rules, 2021 (as amended).

For expert assistance with documentation, game evaluation, KYC policy design, or legal opinions, consult CRSPL Business Consultants or compliance expert specializing in gaming laws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is SRB registration mandatory for all gaming platforms?

No. Only platforms that are offering real-money games are required to register with an SRB. Casual or free games are currently outside the scope of the April 2023 rules.

Q2. Can I approach MeitY directly for game approval?

No. MeitY only designates SRBs and does not process individual game applications. All registration and verification must go through a MeitY-recognized SRB.

Q3. How long does the SRB verification process take?

It typically takes the duration of 3 to 6 weeks, which depends upon the completeness of your application and the SRB's internal procedures.

Q4. What happens if I don’t register with an SRB?

Operating real-money games without SRB verification can result in your platform being blocked under Section 69A of the IT Act, and you may lose your intermediary safe-harbour protection.

Q5. What is the cost of SRB registration?

Each SRB has its own internal fee structure. Fees may include processing charges, legal review fees, and annual compliance charges. MeitY does not prescribe any fixed fee.