Modi govt’s online gaming ban faces first court challenge, A23 moves Karnataka HC
PTC Web Desk: Online gaming platform A23 has approached the Karnataka High Court against the government’s decision to ban money-based online games under the newly enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The petition marks the first legal challenge to the law that has forced leading platforms to abruptly suspend real-money contests, raising concerns over the sector’s survival.
The Act, which received President Droupadi Murmu’s assent, prohibits all forms of money-based online games but encourages e-sports and casual social gaming. The government has defended the move as necessary to tackle addiction, financial fraud, and money laundering linked to online betting platforms.
A23’s stand in court
In its plea, A23 — known for hosting rummy and poker games — argued that the ban unfairly “criminalises the legitimate business of skill-based gaming” and could shut down established companies overnight. The company urged the court to strike down the law as unconstitutional when applied to games of skill like poker and rummy.
The company, which claims to have a player base of over 70 million users, said the Act reflects “state paternalism” rather than fair regulation. The IT Ministry has yet to respond to the matter.
Impact on other gaming platforms
Following the law’s passage in Parliament, popular platforms including Dream11, My11Circle, WinZO, Zupee, PokerBaazi (backed by Nazara Technologies), and Gameskraft suspended all real-money offerings. Unlike A23, however, most leading firms have chosen not to challenge the ban.
- With inputs from agencies
