New Delhi: The Supreme Court Tuesday asked the Union government to submit a detailed response to petitions challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The law bans “online money games” and restricts banking, advertising, and related services, drawing strong opposition from online gaming companies.
The Act imposes a complete ban on all “online money games.” It also blocks banking, advertising, and promotional services related to these games. Many gaming companies argue that these restrictions have severely affected their businesses and the livelihoods of people working in the sector.
During the hearing, a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan heard arguments from the petitioners. Senior advocate C.A. Sundaram, representing the gaming firms, said that companies had stopped real-money contests for over a month due to the ban.
He explained that the law prevents companies from offering or advertising such games and stops banks from processing payments related to them. He urged the court to provide temporary relief so that the companies could resume limited operations.
After listening to the arguments, the court asked the Union government to file a comprehensive reply explaining its stance on the issue. The bench fixed November 26 as the next hearing date for all petitions linked to the Online Gaming Act.
A chess player, one of the petitioners, told the court that the ban had stopped him from joining online tournaments. He said these tournaments were his main source of income, and the law had taken away his ability to earn a living.
The Supreme Court is also reviewing a separate petition seeking strict action against online gambling websites that disguise themselves as social or e-sports platforms. The same bench will hear that petition November 26.
Earlier, in September, the Supreme Court took control of multiple petitions pending in the Delhi, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh High Courts to ensure a single, unified hearing.
The Union government sought the transfer to avoid conflicting judgments from different courts. Since the law took effect, gaming platforms like Dream11, PokerBazi, and Rummy Circle have shut down real-money contests.
Under the new Act, offering or promoting banned games can lead to fines up to ₹1 crore and imprisonment up to three years.