The Indian government has made a big move to regulate online gaming in the country. On September 4th, the Central Government asked the Supreme Court to take over several legal cases that challenge the new Online Gaming Act, 2025.
This new law bans all real-money online games across India but supports social, educational, and esports gaming. The government wants the Supreme Court to handle the cases currently pending in the Delhi, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh High Courts to avoid multiple courts hearing similar issues—that’s called “multiplicity of litigation.”
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai agreed to list this case soon, especially since there’s an important hearing scheduled in Karnataka High Court regarding the law. Currently, different courts are examining whether the law violates people’s rights. For example, Madhya Pradesh High Court asked the government to respond to a petition claiming the ban unfairly restricts skill-based games like carrom and other online money games. Similarly, Karnataka High Court and Delhi High Court are also reviewing petitions against the law.
The Online Gaming Act was introduced during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, and it was quickly passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The law makes it a serious crime to run or promote real-money online gaming platforms. Anyone caught face fines up to Rs 1 crore and imprisonment for up to three years. Advertising these games can lead to a Rs 50 lakh fine and two years in jail.
Following the law’s approval, many popular online money gaming platforms like Dream11, PokerBazi, and RummyCircle stopped their cash contests. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the law is meant to protect citizens from the risks of online gambling and illegal money games.
The quick passing of the bill shows the government’s strong intent to regulate online gaming and safeguard society. As legal battles continue, many online gaming companies are waiting to see how the courts will rule on this important issue.
