India: Supreme Court seeks nationwide responses over illegal betting apps
State governments, regulators and tech companies got notices in a case pushing for a total ban on unregulated betting platforms.
Key points:
– The Supreme Court issued notices to RBI, ED, TRAI and all state governments
– Google India, Apple India and major fantasy platforms were also asked to respond
– The case seeks uniform regulation and a complete ban on illegal betting apps
The Supreme Court of India has issued notices to state governments, national regulators and tech giants in a public interest litigation demanding a complete ban on illegal betting applications.
The petition calls for strict regulation of online gaming and fantasy sports under a unified legal framework.
The Bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, has requested responses from the Reserve Bank of India, the Enforcement Directorate, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and all state governments through their respective Chief Secretaries.
The court may consider issuing interim directions at the next hearing.
In addition to government bodies, the court also sought responses from private entities including Google India, Apple India, Dream 11, MPL (Mobile Premier League) and A23 Games.
The case builds on a broader concern that fantasy sports and online games often serve as fronts for unregulated betting.
Dr Paul, who identifies as a social activist and President of the Global Peace Initiative, filed the PIL claiming to act on behalf of millions of citizens.
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The petition references a First Information Report, the initial document prepared by the Police, in Telangana involving public figures accused of promoting betting apps, as well as reports of 24 suicides in the state linked to online gambling debt.
The petition argues that betting, whether online or offline, is a game of chance rather than skill and should therefore fall under gambling prohibitions.
It highlights the absence of a central law regulating online betting, despite the rising popularity of such apps among youth.
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