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Online gaming policy in India continues to draw national attention. A public interest litigation (PIL) calling for strict enforcement of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 has now reached the Supreme Court, which has asked the central government to review the petition and respond.
Good to Know
- Petition seeks nationwide action against gambling platforms operating as games
- Six respondents named, including ministries and major app store operators
- Supreme Court will review again in two weeks after government response
A bench led by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan requested that the petitioner share the full case material with government counsel before the next hearing. The matter has been listed to return in two weeks.
The PIL was filed by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC). CASC argues that many platforms offering betting and gambling are presenting themselves as e-sports or casual online games, creating confusion around what is legally permitted. The petition requests strict enforcement of the Online Gaming Act and a nationwide approach aligned with existing state prohibitions.
Multiple Ministries and Platforms Named
The petition names four Union ministries — Electronics and Information Technology, Information and Broadcasting, Finance, and Youth Affairs and Sports. It also includes Apple and Google India, seeking clear oversight of app store distribution.
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CASC also asked the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and UPI operators to block financial transactions linked to unregistered gaming apps.
The petition claims that offshore platforms owe large tax amounts and calls for investigations by agencies including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Interpol. It estimates more than ₹1.8 lakh crore in yearly business activity from these platforms, with around 65 crore participants across the country.
Reference to the Online Gaming Act 2025
The plea cites the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, introduced by the government to create a national regulatory framework for online games involving real money. The petition highlights a statement given in Parliament by the IT Minister, who said the bill was intended to protect society from harmful gambling effects.
The petition also raises concerns regarding:
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- Use of celebrity and athlete endorsements in online gaming promotion
- Possible risks to minors’ data shared with gaming platforms
- Addiction and financial harm connected to money-based online games
The filing argues that a large share of the Indian population now participates in online gaming, and calls the scale of involvement a concern for both economic and social stability.
Next Steps
The Supreme Court has directed government counsel to examine the petition and return with a response. The matter will be heard again in two weeks, with further clarity expected on how the Online Gaming Act may be enforced across jurisdictions and platforms in India.
FAQ
What does the Online Gaming Act 2025 do?
It outlines a framework to regulate online games and restrict forms of money-based gambling disguised as gaming.
Why were app stores named in the petition?
The petitioner says app stores play a role in making gaming apps available nationwide and should ensure compliance with Indian law.
What financial action does the petition request?
It requests blocking of payment processing for unregistered gaming platforms and investigations into alleged tax liabilities.
When will the case be heard again?
The Supreme Court plans to review the matter again in two weeks after the government responds.
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