Supreme Court to Review Call for National Ban on Illegal Betting Apps in India
India’s Supreme Court has issued a notice to the central government in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a nationwide ban on illegal betting apps and tighter regulation of online gaming and fantasy sports. The petition raises concerns about public harm and challenges the legal classification of fantasy sports as skill-based gaming.
Court to Examine Scope of Regulation
The PIL, now under the Supreme Court’s consideration, argues that unregulated online betting poses significant risks to public welfare. The petitioner contends that many platforms promote betting under the guise of games of skill, exploiting legal grey areas and inconsistent regulation across Indian states.
The petition specifically challenges the classification of fantasy sports as skill-based, claiming that outcomes are still driven by chance. As such, these platforms, the petitioner argues, should fall under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which prohibits games of chance in several Indian jurisdictions.
The plea highlights the absence of a unified legal framework governing online betting and gaming in India. Without central oversight, the petitioner says, enforcement is fragmented and ineffective—enabling illegal betting apps to continue operating with little accountability.
This case follows other recent Supreme Court proceedings on the taxation of gaming and the legal distinction between gambling and games of skill, underscoring growing legal scrutiny of the online betting sector.
Role of Celebrity Endorsements
The petition also points to the influence of celebrity advertising. A First Information Report attached to the PIL names 25 public figures—including cricketers and social media influencers—accused of promoting illegal betting apps.
The petitioner argues that these endorsements mislead the public and contribute to normalising harmful behaviours, particularly among vulnerable users.