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India’s highest court is weighing a case that could redefine online gaming regulation nationwide.
The Supreme Court of India has asked the central government to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a nationwide ban on online gambling and betting platforms allegedly operating under the guise of e-sports and casual gaming.
Court calls for government input on gambling oversight
The case highlights growing pressure to regulate India’s online gaming economy.
A Bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan instructed the petitioner’s counsel to serve copies of the PIL to government officials and requested Additional Solicitor General V.C. Bharathi to assist at the next hearing in two weeks.
The petition, filed by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC), argues that online gambling has become a national crisis, causing financial loss, addiction and psychological harm.
India online gambling ban petition targets regulators and app stores
The plea urges a coordinated national response across ministries and financial systems.
CASC has called on several Union ministries, including Electronics and IT, Information and Broadcasting, Finance, and Youth Affairs and Sports, to collaborate under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 to outlaw gambling disguised as entertainment.
The plea estimates that over 650 million Indians play online games, generating Rs 1.8 lakh crore (US$21.6bn) annually, and claims offshore operators owe Rs 2 lakh crore in unpaid taxes.
The petition also names Apple Inc. and Google India Pvt. Ltd. among its six respondents and urges authorities such as the RBI, NPCI and UPI platforms to block transactions with unregistered gaming apps.
Broader implications for India’s digital ecosystem
The case could reshape how gaming, payments and content platforms operate.
CASC also raised concerns about celebrity endorsements promoting illegal gaming, linking them to rising cases of addiction, fraud and mental health challenges.
With hearings set to continue in the coming weeks, the question now is whether India will move toward a full online gambling ban, or opt for tighter regulation to balance innovation with consumer protection.
Source: Gambling Insider
