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3h ago

A23 Files First Court Challenge to India’s Ban on Online Money Games

A23 asks the Karnataka High Court to deem the real‑money prohibition unconstitutional for games of skill.

The words "India online gaming regulations" are displayed in front of an Indian flag in this Illustration taken September 14, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Now an Act, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, aims to crack down on rising instances of addiction, money laundering, and financial fraud through such applications.
Online gaming ban faces first legal test as firm moves Karnataka HC, hearing on Aug 30

Overview

  • A23’s petition, filed on Aug. 28, argues the new law criminalizes legitimate skill-based games such as rummy and poker and seeks limited relief for such titles.
  • India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 bans all real‑money online games nationwide while classifying and encouraging e‑sports, social, and educational games.
  • The government has framed the prohibition as a response to addiction and other social harms, describing money-based games as a “social evil.”
  • Major platforms including Dream11 and Mobile Premier League have halted money contests; Dream11’s CEO said about 95% of group revenue disappeared after the ban.
  • MPL will not pursue a court fight and is advising a shift toward free‑to‑play models, while Reuters reports the venture‑backed sector had been projected to reach $3.6 billion in India by 2029.