An official plea has been filed with India's Supreme Court by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) and Shourya Tiwari for enhanced restriction around online gambling in the nation - specifically around esports and social gaming products.
Indeed, the plea is now being reviewed by the Government's court, with the bench stating that it intends to return its opinion at the next date of hearing - labelling the regulation of gambling in India as an 'important issue.' The plea underlines links between the rapid proliferation of gambling products in India with various potential social and economic harms.
Petitioners informed the bench during the hearing of harms related to underage gambling that have occurred because of a 'vacuum' in India's 2025 Online Gaming Act.
Now, this newly submitted petition advocates for a more harmonious approach to be taken by union ministries of finance, sports electronics and information technology, broadcasting and more for the further prohibition of online games, specifically relating to esports.
Speaking directly to the court, advocate Virag Gupta stated: "The Central Government is the gate keeper. They have power to issue the blocking orders and as per reply given in the parliament, around 1,528 gaming apps have been blocked."
Online wagering is currently illegal in India, following the enacting of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gambling Act 2025 in August.
However, earlier this month, new online gaming rules were drafted in the nation with a specific focus on esports and enhanced oversight. This plea comes as part of a response to this action, calling for further blocking orders against any and all unlawful gambling platforms in India.
Last week, the neighbouring nation of Sri Lanka announced plans to establish a gambling regulator by June 2026
