India’s Supreme Court has begun hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a nationwide ban on online gambling platforms, especially those disguised as social or eSports games. The case exposes regulatory gaps despite the federal online gaming law enacted earlier this year.
Petition Highlights Legal Loophole
The PIL, filed on October 13th by the Center for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC), argues that the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025—which passed Parliament on August 21st and received presidential assent on August 22nd—does not address gambling-like mechanics in social gaming apps.
The law, which took effect on October 1st, prohibits online “money games” involving real currency. However, the petition claims it leaves a loophole for apps that mimic gambling under the guise of social entertainment.
Supreme Court Directs Government Response
During the initial hearing, a two-judge bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Vishwanathan asked the federal government to respond thoroughly. Government counsel Chandrashekar Venkataraman must review the petition and provide answers in the coming weeks.
The petitioner noted that the government has blocked over 1,500 gaming apps under IT intermediary rules but has not explicitly banned social gaming apps with gambling features. Traditionally, state governments regulate such activities under India’s Constitution.
Respondents Named in the PIL
The plea lists six respondents: the Ministries of Electronics and IT, Information and Broadcasting, Finance, and Youth Affairs and Sports, along with Apple India and Google India, citing real-money gaming apps on their platforms.
CASC warned that more than 650 million Indians face exposure to such games, which contribute to financial distress, addiction, and youth suicides.
Calls for Stronger Enforcement
The petition also demands stricter enforcement against offshore betting platforms, regulation of celebrity endorsements, and tighter financial controls. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and UPI operators should block payments to unregistered gaming websites.
Potential Impact on India’s Digital Gaming Sector
The Supreme Court’s ruling could reshape India’s digital gaming landscape by clarifying whether social gaming content with gambling mechanics falls under real-money gaming regulations.
Further hearings are scheduled over the coming weeks, and the decision could set a precedent for how social gaming and gambling are regulated nationwide.
