The Centre has asked the Supreme Court to transfer all cases challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 from various high courts to the top court. On Thursday, government counsel mentioned the matter before a bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran. The court agreed to hear the transfer plea next week.
The new law, passed by Parliament on August 21 and signed by the President a day later, is the first central legislation to regulate online gaming. Known as the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, it bans all real-money online games, including fantasy sports, whether based on skill or chance.
The Act makes violations a cognisable and non-bailable offence. The Centre argued that multiple petitions are pending before the Delhi, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh High Courts, which could create conflicting judgments.
Petitioners have opposed the Act, saying the blanket ban also covers skill-based games that courts have previously recognised as legal. They argue this violates Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, which protects the right to practise a profession or carry on a trade or business.
The Supreme Court will now decide whether to hear all challenges together.
