Given the growing influence of online betting and gaming apps, a significant petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a ban on them. The petition was filed by social worker Dr. KA Paul, who expressed concern that the rapidly spreading online betting platforms in the country are misleading the youth.
New Delhi: The rapidly growing online gaming and betting market in India is now facing legal challenges. A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a complete ban on it. Petitioner Dr. KA Paul argued that even the country's prestigious and influential personalities are involved in promoting these apps, which is having a negative impact on the youth.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court took the matter seriously and issued notices to all states and union territories in the country, seeking a detailed response on the steps they are taking in this direction.
What is the matter?
In his petition filed in the Supreme Court, petitioner Dr. KA Paul stated that the increasing online betting and gaming apps in India are pushing the youth towards gambling and addiction. He also mentioned that prominent players in the country, including the person known as the "God of Cricket," are promoting these apps.
The petition stated that advertisements for these apps are running rampant on television and digital media, making them appear like normal gaming, while their basis is actually betting.
Supreme Court's comments and action
During the hearing, a bench headed by Justice Suryakant said to the petitioner, "You must be feeling proud of the satisfaction you have received from this work." Following this, the court issued notices to all states and union territories in the country, asking what policy they are adopting in this direction and what steps are being taken to control such apps.
Rapidly growing online gaming market in India
The online gaming and fantasy sports market in India is expanding rapidly. According to an estimate:
- There are over 400 million gamers in India, making it the second-largest gaming market in the world.
- Users are betting real money on gaming apps such as Dream11, MPL, WinZO, and Zupee.
- These apps include fantasy cricket, rummy, poker, ludo, and many other games.
Largest market: Fantasy Sports
The largest segment of online gaming in India is fantasy sports, with apps like Dream11 and MPL having attracted millions of users. These platforms often increase their user base during popular sports like cricket. E-sports are also rapidly gaining popularity, and according to 2024 figures, more than 80 million viewers are following e-sports events.
The Government of India has also taken some steps to regulate online betting. Between 2022 and 2024, the government has blocked more than 1,298 online gaming and betting sites. Despite this, new platforms are constantly emerging, many of which operate from abroad and remain outside the purview of Indian laws.
