In India, an Anti-Gambling Activist asserts he narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt by Thugs
India, the world's most populous nation, is moving closer to a ban on illegal online betting apps, following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Dr. K.A. Paul. The PIL, currently under scrutiny by the Supreme Court (SC), aims to protect the youth and vulnerable from the harmful effects of online gambling.
The SC has acknowledged the gravity of the issue and labelled online betting as a matter of public importance. The court has issued notices to the Union government, multiple states, and online platforms, with a major hearing scheduled for August 18, 2025.
Since 2022, the Indian government has taken steps to curb unregulated online betting, blocking 1,524 illegal gambling websites and betting apps. The PIL, however, alleges that many betting apps continue to operate illegally, promoting gambling to millions of Indian youth and even being endorsed by celebrities.
The legal and regulatory debate revolves around whether these apps constitute gambling or are games of skill, which affects their legal treatment under Indian law. Another bench is examining this issue, and its outcome will influence the PIL's outcome.
If the PIL results in a blanket ban, it could significantly disrupt the online gaming ecosystem, including fantasy sports and esports sectors. Concerns include the lack of a comprehensive central law addressing online betting, inconsistent actions by states, the exploitation of shell apps, and the significant social harm caused by addictive betting behaviors.
Dr. K.A. Paul, the evangelist and politician who filed the litigation, has recently claimed that he was almost kidnapped in Delhi over the weekend, an incident he believes is related to his work fighting online betting apps. The Supreme Court justices have reached out to Google, Apple, the Reserve Bank of India, and other entities regarding these issues.
Goa, Daman, and Sikkim are the only Indian states with regulated online gaming markets currently. If the PIL leads to a ban, it would mark a significant shift in India's approach to online betting, potentially setting a precedent for other countries grappling with similar issues.
In summary, India is not yet enforcing a nationwide ban but is on the path toward one through judicial processes following Dr. K.A. Paul’s PIL and government measures to block illegal apps. The Supreme Court’s forthcoming decisions will be pivotal in shaping the regulatory landscape regarding online betting apps and their legitimacy under Indian law.
- The upcoming hearing in August 2025, scheduled by the Supreme Court (SC), will be crucial in determining the future of policy-and-legislation surrounding online betting apps in India, currently under scrutiny due to their alleged illegal operations and harmful effects.
- The legal and political debates surrounding the classification of online betting apps as gambling or games of skill have gained significant attention in the general-news, with implications not only for the Indian context but potentially for other countries experiencing similar issues. The SC's ruling on this matter will significantly impact the crime-and-justice landscape and the overall dynamics of the online gaming ecosystem in India.
