The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC), seeking directions to the Central government to prohibit online gambling and betting platforms that allegedly operate under the guise of e-sports and social gaming applications. The matter is scheduled for hearing on October 17, 2025, before a bench comprising Chief Justice B. R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran.

Background of the PIL

The PIL, filed on October 13, 2025, through advocates Virag Gupta and Rupali Panwar, highlights concerns over the rapid growth of online gaming platforms that allegedly function as fronts for gambling. CASC, represented by former Uttar Pradesh DGP Vikram Singh and advocate Shourya Tiwari, claims that these platforms are causing widespread social and economic harm across India.

The petition names six respondents: four union ministries — Electronics and Information Technology, Information and Broadcasting, Finance, and Youth Affairs and Sports — and two leading app store operators, Apple Inc. and Google India Pvt. Ltd.

Key Allegations in the PIL

The CASC contends that betting and gambling are prohibited in the majority of Indian states, yet more than 65 crore people participate in online games, generating an estimated ₹1.8 lakh crore annually for these platforms. The plea describes this phenomenon as a national crisis, affecting nearly half of India’s population, with consequences including financial ruin, mental health issues, and suicides.

The petition stresses that the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, was enacted to prevent the social evils associated with online gambling, but its provisions are not being uniformly enforced. The plea calls for a harmonious interpretation of the Act along with state legislation to ban all online gambling disguised as gaming.

Specific Demands in the PIL

1. Nationwide Ban: Directing the Centre and state authorities to prohibit online gambling and betting platformsmasquerading as social games or e-sports.
2. Blocking of Websites and Apps: Implementation of orders under Section 69A of the IT Act to block all unlawful gambling platforms.
3. Financial Regulation: Directions to the RBI, NPCI, and UPI platforms to prevent any monetary transactions related to unregistered gaming applications.
4. Tax Recovery: Investigation into offshore gaming companies through Interpol, CBI, and Enforcement Directorate (ED) for unpaid taxes, estimated to exceed ₹2 lakh crore.
5. Data Protection: Ensure the protection of minors’ data collected by online gaming companies.

The PIL also draws attention to the role of celebrities, including top cricketers and film stars, who endorse such games, potentially encouraging cyber fraud, addiction, mental health disorders, and suicides. It highlights statements by the Union IT Minister acknowledging opaque algorithms used by these platforms that may facilitate money laundering and systemic cheating, making it difficult for users to identify opponents or outcomes.

National and Social Impact

The plea warns that the unchecked expansion of online gaming and betting threatens social stability, economic security, and public welfare. By framing the issue as a matter of national concern, the PIL seeks urgent intervention from the Supreme Court to prevent further harm, protect minors, and ensure that gaming platforms comply with the law.

It further emphasizes that online gambling often exploits the psychological vulnerabilities of players, leading to compulsive behavior, financial loss, and even suicidal tendencies. CASC argues that coordinated action across ministries, financial regulators, and law enforcement agencies is essential to tackle this problem comprehensively.

Legal Context and Enforcement Challenges

Although several states have imposed restrictions on gambling, the proliferation of online platforms has made enforcement difficult. CASC argues that the central government and state authorities must act in a unified manner to prevent online gaming from becoming a loophole for gambling and money laundering.

The PIL also highlights gaps in regulation regarding data security, youth protection, and algorithmic transparency, urging the Court to direct authorities to establish clear compliance norms for all gaming operators.

Way Forward

With the Supreme Court’s intervention, the case could result in sweeping directions to central and state authorities, app stores, and online gaming companies to enforce a nationwide ban on illegal gambling disguised as e-sports or social games. Observers suggest that a judicial order may also mandate stricter monitoring of gaming algorithms, ensure financial compliance, and protect minors from the adverse effects of online gambling.

As online gaming continues to expand across India, the outcome of this PIL could set a precedent for regulating digital platforms and safeguard the public from the growing social and economic harms associated with virtual gambling.