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45m ago

A23 Files First Court Challenge to India’s Online Money Gaming Ban With Karnataka Hearing on Aug. 30

The petition argues Parliament unlawfully erased the long‑standing skill–chance distinction, violating constitutional rights.

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.
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Overview

  • A23’s writ in the Karnataka High Court contests Sections 2(1)(g), 5, 6, 7 and 9 of the new Act and seeks an interim stay for skill games such as rummy and poker.
  • Justice B. M. Shyam Prasad has listed the matter for urgent hearing on August 30, marking the first judicial test of the law.
  • The Act, signed on August 22, bans offering, advertising and facilitating payments for online money games, makes offences cognisable and non‑bailable, and allows site blocking, with penalties up to three years in jail and ₹1 crore in fines.
  • Major platforms including Dream11, MPL, WinZO, Zupee and PokerBaazi have suspended real‑money contests, and several firms say they will pivot rather than litigate.
  • A23’s filing cites disruption to 606 staff and broader sector losses, while the government defends the blanket prohibition as necessary to counter addiction, fraud and financial crime.