New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding a nationwide prohibition on online gambling and betting platforms allegedly functioning under the pretext of esports and social gaming.
A Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran took note of submissions made by advocate Virag Gupta, appearing on behalf of the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC), and listed the matter for detailed hearing today. The petition was filed on October 13 through advocates Virag Gupta and Rupali Panwar.
Six Respondents Named, Including Apple and Google
The plea has named six respondents — four Union ministries (Electronics and IT, Information and Broadcasting, Finance, and Youth Affairs and Sports) — along with Apple Inc. and Google India Pvt. Ltd., which operate the country’s major app distribution platforms.
CASC, represented by former Uttar Pradesh DGP Vikram Singh and Shourya Tiwari, has urged the top court to direct the Centre to curb what it describes as the “unchecked expansion” of online gambling and betting applications, claiming they pose grave social, economic, and national security risks.
Online Gambling: A ₹1.8 Lakh Crore Industry
Citing data from government filings and court cases, the PIL claims that over 65 crore Indians are engaged in online gaming activities, creating an annual business of more than ₹1.8 lakh crore for such platforms. It warns that nearly half of the country’s population participates in online games, many of which allegedly operate as unregulated betting systems.
The petition argues that despite the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, illegal betting continues to thrive under the guise of esports and social gaming. “Betting and gambling are unlawful in most Indian states. Yet, digital versions of these activities continue to operate unchecked,” the plea contends.
Calls for Financial and Regulatory Action
Among its key prayers, CASC has sought blocking orders under Section 69A of the IT Act to restrict access to unlawful gambling websites and mobile apps. It has also urged the RBI, NPCI, and UPI platforms to disallow financial transactions involving unregistered gaming operators.
The plea further seeks tax recovery and investigations into offshore betting firms, estimated to owe over ₹2 lakh crore in unpaid dues. It has called for coordinated probes by the CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and Interpol, citing concerns over money laundering and cross-border fund flows.
Impact on Youth and Society
The petition highlights the mental health crisis, addiction, and financial distress resulting from online betting. It also raises alarms over the use of celebrity endorsements by cricketers and Bollywood actors that, according to CASC, “legitimise unlawful gaming activities.”
Quoting remarks by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the PIL says the government has already acknowledged the “fraudulent algorithms” and “opaque systems” used by many such apps. “Defeat is certain, money laundering is taking place,” the minister had warned in Parliament earlier this year while stressing the need for stricter oversight.
Push for Data Protection of Minors
The PIL also demands safeguards for data collected from minors by gaming companies and urges a harmonised interpretation of central and state laws to close existing loopholes.
As the top court takes up the matter, the hearing is expected to shape the next phase of India’s online gaming regulation—balancing innovation and entertainment with the need to curb a growing ecosystem of digital gambling and financial exploitation.
