As India witnesses a surge in the popularity of online gaming and fantasy sports platforms, serious concerns about their legality, ethical implications, and social impact have reached the highest court of the land. On Friday, May 23, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a complete ban on illegal online betting apps.
This landmark petition, filed by a social activist who identifies as a "Global Peace Ambassador", raises alarm over how such platforms are allegedly misleading the youth and undermining the democratic and mental well-being of the country.
The online gaming ecosystem in India has evolved rapidly over the last few years, particularly with the emergence of fantasy sports, card games, and real-money betting apps. While many of these platforms claim to be skill-based games, critics argue that they are essentially disguised forms of gambling operating in legal grey zones.
The petitioner argues that these apps target vulnerable populations, especially young Indians, with aggressive marketing and celebrity endorsements, creating a harmful illusion of quick wealth and "sporting competition".
The PIL seeks a nationwide ban on illegal betting applications and a stronger regulatory framework under central law. It calls upon the Supreme Court to direct the Union Government to enforce stricter oversight and prevent misleading advertisements from celebrities and influencers.
Citing the Public Gambling Act of 1867, the petitioner contends that such digital platforms are in clear violation of Indian law and need immediate regulation to safeguard public health and security.
The PIL highlights a high-profile investigation from Telangana, where in March 2025, FIRs were filed against 25 celebrities, including Bollywood actors, cricketers, and social media influencers. These individuals were accused of promoting illegal betting apps and misleading the public for commercial gains.
The petition also notes that 24 suicide cases have been linked to online betting debts, underscoring the grave consequences of digital gambling addiction.
A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N.K. Singh has issued a notice to the central government, seeking its official response. However, no notices have yet been issued to individual states, indicating that the matter is currently being examined at a federal level.
The court’s decision to entertain the PIL has brought renewed national attention to the murky operations of online betting platforms and the legal ambiguity surrounding fantasy sports and so-called “skill-based” games.
This case reignites the longstanding debate: Are fantasy sports truly games of skill, or are they modern-day gambling cloaked in innovation? Proponents argue for innovation and investment, while critics warn of addiction, financial ruin, and exploitation of youth.
With millions of daily active users and billions in revenue, the sector occupies a complex space between technology, law, and ethics—making it one of the most sensitive regulatory challenges for India in 2025.
All eyes are now on the Centre’s response to the Supreme Court notice. Will the government acknowledge the growing risk and push for uniform national regulation, or leave it to states to decide?
As the court deliberates, this PIL could shape the future of India’s digital gaming economy, balancing growth with consumer protection and ethical responsibility.
