Thu Dec 11 07:17:33 UTC 2025: Headline: Supreme Court Hears Debate on Legality of National Online Gaming Ban

New Delhi, December 11, 2025 – The Supreme Court today heard initial arguments regarding the constitutionality of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which effectively bans real money online gaming, related financial services, and advertising nationwide.

The central question before the court is whether Parliament had the authority to enact the law, or whether regulation of online gaming falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the States, as “betting and gambling” activities are listed in the State List of the Constitution’s Seventh Schedule.

Senior advocates representing online gaming platforms argued that the ban has already led to job losses and created significant uncertainty within the industry. They have requested an immediate stay on the Act’s implementation.

The Solicitor General, representing the central government, urged the court to consider the legislative intent behind the Act. The government has argued that real money gaming platforms facilitate money laundering, terror financing, and addiction, leading to fatalities, particularly among young people. The Centre justified the Act by stating that an estimated 45 crore people were negatively impacted by online money games, and they faced a loss of more than ₹2,000 crore. They further cited concerns about systemic legal violations, including tax evasion and cross-border illicit fund flows, linked to online money gaming platforms. Data was presented showing a sharp increase in outward remittances related to online gaming in 2023-2024, exceeding ₹5,700 crore.

The Chief Justice indicated that a three-judge Bench will hear the petitions in full in January 2026. A separate bench led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala is also hearing related challenges to the 2025 Act and similar state laws. The court will ultimately determine whether Parliament exceeded its authority in passing the nationwide ban.

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