India Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Online Gaming Ban

India's Supreme Court is set to hear a batch of petitions challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which bans real-money online games, including those disguised as e-sports and social games. Petitioners, including online gaming operators and advocacy groups such as the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC), argue that the legislation, which restricts banking services and advertising related to online gambling, is unconstitutional and harms social and economic interests, particularly affecting 15 crore children. The court has requested the Union government's response and unified hearing to avoid conflicting rulings across states. Advocate Virag Gupta has submitted details of over 2,000 betting-related apps to the government, urging immediate action to block unlawful platforms under the IT Act. The law imposes fines and potential jail terms for offering real-money online games, but industry groups contend it breaches constitutional rights to trade and profession. The Supreme Court's decision will be pivotal in shaping India's regulatory approach to the booming online gaming industry amid concerns over illegal gambling.