September 5, 2025

Get ready for a big twist in the gaming world! On Thursday, the Centre hit the Supreme Court with a powerful plea to take charge of all challenges against the sizzling new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. Why? To avoid confusion and conflicting verdicts from different high courts! The law, which bans real-money online gaming—including popular fantasy sports—has been challenged in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Delhi high courts. This important plea was presented before a bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran. The lawyer representing the Centre said, “(The) Union has filed a transfer plea... the Online Gaming Regulation Act has been challenged before three high courts. If it can be listed on Monday since it's listed for interim orders before the Karnataka High Court.” The Chief Justice agreed and promised to list the plea next week. Here’s why this Act is causing such a storm: It’s the country’s first law that bans real-money online gaming everywhere in India. Whether the games test your skill or are based on chance, no money gaming is allowed under this law. Breaking this law is serious business—it is considered a cognisable and non-bailable offence! The bill flew through Parliament at lightning speed, introduced on August 20 and passed by voice vote within two days in both Houses. The President gave his nod on August 22, and just like that, a new chapter began in online gaming regulation. With multiple courts hearing separate cases, the Centre thinks the Supreme Court should step in to keep things under one roof. This will ensure no conflicting orders confuse players, companies, or regulators. The game is on, and soon the Supreme Court will decide the fate of India’s real-money online gaming world!

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Tags: Online gaming act 2025, Supreme court, Promotion and regulation of online gaming act, Transfer plea, Real-money gaming ban, High courts,