Supreme Court Seeks Responses on Ban of Illegal Betting Apps in India

The Supreme Court of India has taken significant steps by issuing notices to various authorities regarding a petition that seeks a ban on illegal betting applications. This public interest litigation aims to enforce stricter regulations on online gaming and protect vulnerable citizens from the dangers of unregulated betting. The court has called for responses from the Reserve Bank of India, the Enforcement Directorate, and major tech companies, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework. The case is set for a hearing on August 18, as concerns grow over the impact of online betting on society.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 17:07 IST

Supreme Court Takes Action Against Illegal Betting Apps

New Delhi, Aug 1: The Supreme Court has directed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), and all state governments to respond to a petition calling for a nationwide ban on illegal betting applications.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi is reviewing a public interest litigation (PIL) that demands stringent regulations on online gaming and fantasy sports, along with the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework.

In addition to government bodies, the bench has also requested responses from major companies including Google India, Apple India, Dream 11, MPL (Mobile Premier League), and A23 Games.

The court emphasized the necessity of notifying all states, instructing that notices be sent through their respective Chief Secretaries.

Justice Surya Kant's bench indicated that it might consider issuing interim orders during the next hearing.

According to the computerized case status on the Supreme Court's website, the hearing is provisionally scheduled for August 18.

Earlier in May, the Supreme Court had already issued a notice to the Union government and directed the court registry to provide copies of relevant documents to the Attorney General and the Solicitor General.

The petitioner, Dr. K.A. Paul, identifies himself as a social activist and humanitarian, leading the Global Peace Initiative, which aims to foster peace and justice worldwide. He stated that the petition was filed to protect millions of individuals and uphold democracy in India by prohibiting illegal betting applications.

The petition references a First Information Report (FIR) filed in March 2025 in Telangana against 25 Bollywood stars, cricketers, and influencers for misleading the public by endorsing betting apps.

Additionally, it mentions a report about 24 individuals from Telangana who took their own lives after accumulating debts from online betting.

The petition argues that it was submitted directly to the Supreme Court to shield Indian youth and vulnerable populations from the dangers of unregulated online betting and gambling, often masked as fantasy sports and skill-based games.

It asserts that betting, whether online or offline, is fundamentally a game of chance rather than skill, thus categorizing it as gambling, which is banned in several states under the Public Gambling Act of 1867. The petition also highlights the absence of a uniform central law to regulate online betting.