NATIONWIDE BAN PLEA – Supreme Court Seeks Government Response on Plea for Nationwide Ban on Online Gambling and Betting App
In a significant move addressing the growing concern over online gambling in India, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Union of India, seeking its response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a non-governmental organization (NGO). The petition calls for a nationwide ban on online gambling and betting platforms that are allegedly operating under the disguise of “social” and “e-sports” gaming apps.
According to the petitioner, nearly 2,000 such apps are currently active across the country, many of which are promoting gambling and betting activities under the pretext of gaming and entertainment. The NGO argues that these platforms are having a harmful impact on the youth, drawing them into addictive and financially risky behaviour.
The petitioner has urged the government to take immediate and stringent action in the larger public interest, stressing that these apps are not only causing economic harm to individuals but are also posing a social threat to families and communities. Responding to the plea, the Supreme Court ordered,
The PIL also points out the need for regulatory control over the online gaming sector, calling on the authorities to use provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000—particularly Section 69A, which empowers the government to block unlawful online content. It further requests the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to ensure that digital payment systems such as UPI are not used for unlicensed or illegal gambling transactions.
In addition, the petitioner has sought directions for app stores like Google Play and Apple App Store to comply with the IT (Intermediary) Rules, 2021, allowing only duly licensed and verified gaming applications to operate in India. Other concerns raised include tax evasion by offshore gaming companies, data protection for children, and the need to recover revenue lost through illegal online betting.
The Supreme Court has also linked this petition with a batch of cases challenging the recently passed Online Gaming (Promotion and Regulation) Act, 2025, which aims to bring uniform regulation to the online gaming industry. The government’s counsel noted that many of the issues highlighted by the petitioner are already addressed in this new legislation, which is awaiting full implementation.
The Court’s decision to issue notice signals its willingness to closely examine the growing problem of unregulated online gambling, especially its influence on young people. The matter will now proceed with the Centre expected to file its reply in the coming weeks.
As India continues to embrace digital entertainment, the case could play a defining role in shaping how the country distinguishes between legitimate online games of skill and unlawful betting or gambling activities. The outcome may also determine the future regulatory landscape for gaming platforms, payment intermediaries, and app distributors operating in the country.
