India’s Supreme Court asks central govt. assistance on plea seeking nationwide ban on online gambling

India’s Supreme Court has asked the central government to respond to a plea challenging the enforcement of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, as a think tank seeks a nationwide ban on online gambling and betting platforms allegedly operating as e-sports and social games.

A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan directed the petitioner to share a copy of the public interest litigation (PIL) with the government’s counsel. “We request V.C. Bharathi to look into the petition and assist us on the next date of hearing. List after two weeks,” the bench said in an issued order.

The plea was filed by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC), which asked for strict enforcement of the 2025 Act and prohibition of gambling and betting platforms operating under the guise of online gaming.

The petition names six respondents — four Union ministries and two app store operators, Apple Inc. and Google India Pvt. Ltd. CASC requested directions to the ministries of Electronics and Information Technology, Information and Broadcasting, Finance, and Youth Affairs and Sports to align the Act’s provisions with state laws that already prohibit online gambling.

It also urged the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) operators to block financial transactions involving unregistered gaming apps.

The PIL seeks tax recovery and investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Interpol into offshore companies alleged to owe more than ₹2 lakh crore ($22.8 million) in unpaid taxes. It claims that more than 65 crore people participate in online gaming in India, generating annual business exceeding ₹1.8 lakh crore ($2 billion).

“Betting and gambling are regarded as unlawful activities in the majority of the states in India. Several cases are contested in high courts wherein affidavits were filed by the government and gaming platforms. Upon analysing the same, it is reported that more than 65 crore persons are playing such games, creating an annual business of more than ₹1.8 lakh crore for these platforms in India,” the PIL stated.

The petition cites the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which outlines a framework for regulating online games and restricting money-based gambling. It refers to the IT Minister’s statement in Parliament: “The Bill was introduced to ensure the welfare of society and to prevent the serious evil that is creeping into society.”

CASC claims that around half of India’s population engages in online gaming, which it says is affecting society, the economy, and national security. The petition also requests government orders under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act to block access to unlawful betting sites and apps.

The PIL raises concerns about the protection of minors’ data collected by gaming companies. It alleges that celebrity endorsements by cricketers and film actors encourage participation in unlawful games linked to addiction, cyber fraud, and mental health issues.

The Supreme Court scheduled the next hearing in two weeks, directing the Centre to review and respond to the petition’s demands concerning the enforcement of the Online Gaming Act and the regulation of gambling and betting platforms across India.