Gaming news update
1. CHALLENGE AGAINST TAMIL NADU ONLINE GAMING ACT
Gaming companies are contesting the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2022 (TNOGA), claiming specific provisions are unconstitutional and arbitrary. Senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Sajan Poovayya represented major platforms, including A23 and RummyCircle, during a recent Madras High Court hearing.
The petitioners raised three main issues:
- Curfew on Gaming: TNOGA imposes a ban on online gaming from midnight to 5 AM, which the petitioners argue infringes on players' rights and is arbitrary. Rohatgi suggested that the law should permit gaming for 19 hours daily, noting inconsistencies in restricting only certain activities.
- Aadhaar Authentication: The law mandates Aadhaar verification for users, which the gaming companies argue is non-compliant with the Aadhaar Act, 2016. They propose allowing alternative identification methods, such as driving licenses or passports.
- Jurisdiction Concerns: The petitioners assert that online skill-based gaming falls under the central government's IT Rules, 2021, and that the state lacks authority to regulate it.
The court raised concerns about the potential social harms of real-money gaming, including addiction and financial loss among vulnerable individuals.
2. MAHARASHTRA'S INITIATIVE ON ONLINE GAMING REGULATION
The Maharashtra government is developing a comprehensive legal framework to regulate online gaming and combat cybercrime, aiming to prevent financial fraud and clarify regulations in the expanding digital gaming sector. Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam outlined the government's plans during a Legislative Council session, addressing concerns about cybercrime linked to gaming platforms. Notable council members participated in the discussion, emphasizing the need for action. Kadam noted that online gaming is categorized into skill-based games, which are permitted, and chance-based games, which are not. Despite the Supreme Court's endorsement of skill-based gaming, issues like financial fraud persist through practices such as “Loot Boxes.” To address these challenges, the government is drafting policies with input from industry experts, focusing on enforcement and consumer protection to ensure a safer digital gaming environment.
3. HARYANA ASSEMBLY ENACTS GAMBLING BILL
The Haryana Assembly has passed the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025, which establishes strict penalties for gambling, match-fixing, and spot-fixing in sports. Introduced on March 18, the bill aims to address gambling-related offenses by imposing rigorous imprisonment and significant fines.
Key provisions include up to one year in prison or a ₹10,000 fine for individuals found gambling in public, and three to five years of imprisonment along with a fine of up to ₹1 lakh for owners or financiers of gambling houses. The bill also stipulates a minimum three-year sentence and a ₹5 lakh fine for match-fixing and organized gambling syndicate members.
The legislation empowers magistrates and police to conduct warrantless searches and arrests based on credible information. Those who refuse to provide identification or give false information could face up to three years in prison and a ₹10,000 fine.
4. TELANGANA FORMS SIT TO COMBAT ONLINE BETTING
Telangana Chief Minister announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to combat the rising issue of online betting and its impact on families. This initiative includes plans to amend the 2017 law prohibiting online gambling, aiming for stricter penalties beyond the current two-year maximum.
The state has begun taking action against illegal betting promoters, including filing a complaint against influencer Bayya Sunny Yadav for misleading endorsements. Additionally, Hyderabad Police have charged 25 celebrities, such as Rana Daggubati and Vijay Deverakonda, for promoting betting apps in violation of the Public Gambling Act. Authorities warn of continued action against such promotions.
5. ADVOCATE URGES CCPA ACTION AGAINST BETTING APP ENDORSEMENTS
Advocate Krishnakant has lodged a complaint with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) seeking strict penalties and a three-year ban on celebrities endorsing betting apps. He argues that such endorsements mislead consumers, especially youth, and could lead to financial and psychological harm.
Krishnakant recommends fines of ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh for celebrities promoting these platforms and calls for stricter enforcement of advertising regulations to prevent misleading promotions. The CCPA has yet to respond, but there is growing support for stronger action against these endorsements.
6. SUPREME COURT REINSTATES PIL AGAINST OPINION TRADING APPS
The Supreme Court of India has reinstated a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on opinion trading apps, criticizing the Gujarat High Court for prematurely dismissing the case due to a similar petition in the Bombay High Court without proper examination.
In the case of Sumit Kapurbhai Prajapati v. Union of India & Others, the Supreme Court, led by Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, emphasized that the differing gaming laws in Maharashtra and Gujarat warranted separate consideration of the matter. Prajapati raised concerns about the harmful effects of these apps, particularly on vulnerable users, including children, who are misled into gambling.
Despite arguments from senior counsels for the opinion trading platforms advocating for the case to return to the Gujarat High Court, the Supreme Court directed an April 14, 2025, hearing in the Gujarat High Court, allowing all parties to present their contentions.
7. PIL CALLS FOR BAN ON BETTING APPS AND ACTION AGAINST CELEBRITIES
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking an immediate ban on betting apps and platforms in India and demanding action against celebrities promoting them. The petition, filed by social activist Dr. K.A. Paul, cites the detrimental impact of these apps on society, particularly the youth, leading to financial ruin and addiction.
Dr. Paul urges the Supreme Court to direct the government to enforce stricter regulations, emphasizing that many apps operate freely despite existing laws. He highlights the influence of celebrity endorsements in increasing gambling addiction, calling for accountability for public figures misleading their followers.
The petition mentions that, in Telangana alone, 978 young individuals committed suicide over the past year due to financial distress linked to betting apps. Dr. Paul has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to celebrity endorsers to either apologize publicly and return their earnings or face legal actions. He advocates for urgent intervention to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation by these platforms.
8. CAIT APPEALS FOR BAN ON OPINION TRADING PLATFORMS
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has formally requested the Indian government to ban opinion trading apps and websites, referring to them as a form of "digital satta" (online gambling). In a letter to key ministers, CAIT highlighted the rapid growth of these platforms, which have over 50 million users and facilitate annual transactions exceeding ₹50,000 crores.
CAIT's National President, B.C. Bhartia, argues that these platforms misrepresent their services as skill-based, misleading consumers and disproportionately impacting young, inexperienced individuals. He also expressed concerns about their potential to influence electoral democracy by allowing betting on election outcomes.
To mitigate these risks, CAIT urged the government to enforce regulations against opinion trading platforms, including removing related content from intermediaries and utilizing Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, to prohibit such activities. CAIT called for collaboration among multiple regulatory bodies to create a robust framework to safeguard consumers and uphold democratic integrity.
9. ANCHOR SHYAMALA IN TROUBLE AS BETTING APP CASE REACHES HC
Shyamala Reddy, anchor and YSR Congress Party spokesperson, has approached the Telangana High Court to quash a FIR alleging her promotion of illegal betting applications on social media. Filed on March 17 by Vinay Vagala, the FIR claims violations of the Public Gambling Act.
Shyamala argues the allegations are baseless and politically motivated, lacking substantial evidence. Justice N. Tukaramji directed the Panjagutta police to adhere to proper procedures and required Shyamala to cooperate with the investigation.
This case is part of a broader crackdown on celebrities promoting betting apps, with 11 individuals, including Shyamala, facing similar charges. The Enforcement Directorate is also investigating actors linked to illegal betting endorsements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
10. ED INVESTIGATES CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENTS OF BETTING APPS
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into celebrities endorsing online betting apps, focusing on potential violations of financial regulations and links to illegal activities. Officials are examining financial transactions associated with these endorsements to determine if they involved money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The investigation has expanded to include social media influencers and public figures, assessing whether they knowingly promoted unauthorized platforms. Some influencers have already been questioned regarding their involvement.
Experts warn that celebrity endorsements may mislead users into believing these platforms are legitimate, potentially resulting in significant financial losses. The ED is analyzing contracts and promotional deals, considering tighter regulations to prevent future endorsements of illegal betting apps.
11. ANDHRA PRADESH CONSIDERS LIFTING BAN ON LOTTERIES AND ONLINE GAMING
Andhra Pradesh is contemplating lifting its ban on state lotteries and online gaming to increase tax revenue, potentially generating up to ₹13,100 crore. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is expected to decide soon, with multiple revenue proposals under review.
Key proposals include:
- 1% Cess on State GST: Estimated revenue of ₹4,700 crore.
- Increased VAT on Liquor and Other Products: Expected revenue of ₹6,500 crore.
- Legalization of State Lotteries and Online Gaming: Aiming to create new income sources.
- Excise Duty Hikes: Additional revenue from increased duties.
- Revisions to Motor Vehicle Tax and Green Tax: Combined expected revenue of ₹600 crore.
- Surcharges on Property Transactions and Increases in Professional Tax: Estimated total revenues of ₹1,500 crore.
- Stamp Duty and Entertainment Tax Revisions: Potential for increased collections.
If legalized, the state plans to ensure regulatory oversight for lotteries and online gaming, with funds from these activities not allocated for Amaravati development but instead directing loans for capital projects. A decision is anticipated soon as economic and regulatory considerations are evaluated.
12. KARNATAKA TO REGULATE ONLINE GAMING INDUSTRY WITH NEW LAW
Karnataka plans to introduce a legal framework to regulate the online gaming industry by banning gambling while allowing skill-based games, following the Chhattisgarh model. This initiative aims to foster innovation and protect consumers from fraudulent operations.
IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge stated that the government is evaluating regulatory models to create a supportive environment for the gaming industry while engaging with stakeholders. The proposed regulation distinguishes between games of chance, which will be banned, and skill-based games, which are exempt.
Discussions are ongoing between the IT, Law, and Home departments before drafting the bill. This move comes after the unsuccessful attempt to ban online gambling in 2021, which the Karnataka High Court struck down as unconstitutional.
With no uniform central regulation on online gaming, Karnataka's efforts aim to address inconsistencies across states, especially concerning illegal offshore operators. Legal challenges continue to arise in light of varying state regulations, as seen with Tamil Nadu's stricter rules facing opposition from gaming companies.
13. YOUTUBE REVISES POLICIES ON GAMBLING CONTENT
YouTube is updating its policies on online gambling-related content, effective March 19, 2025. Under the new regulations, content creators will be prohibited from including URLs, links, logos, or verbal references to unapproved gambling sites or applications. Currently, links to gambling platforms are permissible only if they comply with local legal requirements.
Additionally, any content promising guaranteed returns from gambling will be removed, irrespective of the gambling site's certification status. Content promoting online casinos or betting applications will also face age restrictions, allowing access only to users over 18.
YouTube aims to ensure a safer environment for users, particularly younger viewers, with these changes impacting creators focused on gambling content, such as casino games. These updates coincide with regulatory pressures in India, where authorities have warned against promoting gambling and betting services, aligning with a trend toward greater oversight of digital gambling promotions.
14. CENTRE REAFFIRMS BETTING AND GAMBLING REGULATION AS A STATE SUBJECT
The Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, while responding to queries raised by Shri A.D. Singh on a Comprehensive Regulatory Framework on Betting and Gambling, clarified that betting and gambling fall under Entry 34 in the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, granting state legislatures the authority to legislate on such matters. It was further emphasised that prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes related to such matters remain the responsibility of state governments through their law enforcement agencies. This comes amidst rumours of the Ministry of Home Affairs considering introducing a new central law to regulate online gaming, gambling, betting, and lotteries.
The response may be accessed Here.
15. SUPREME COURT CLUBS WRIT PETITIONS AGAINST 28% GST ON GAMING COMPANIES
On March 18, 2025, the Supreme Court allowed transfer petitions seeking the transfer of writ petitions/ writ appeals pending before the High Courts of Calcutta, Hyderabad, Amravati, Madras, Bombay and Bengaluru, to be heard along with Special Leave Petition(C) Nos.19366-19369/2023 (Director General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence & Ors. vs. Gameskraft Technologies Pvt. Ltd. & Ors.). The issue under consideration in the cases before the Supreme Court pertains to the 28% GST being charged to gaming companies, where gaming companies argue that the impugned tax should not apply to games of skill like rummy, poker, and fantasy sports. In the last hearing, the apex court ordered that further proceedings of all the impugned show cause notices, some of which were set to get time barred, shall remain stayed till the final disposal of the main matter, along with tagged matters. The next hearing is scheduled for April 8, 2025.
16. GAMING FEDERATIONS ADOPT NEW CODE OF ETHICS FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMING
Industry bodies, including the likes of All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), E-Gaming Federation (EGF), and Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), have jointly adopted a new Code of Ethics (CoE) on March 10, 2025, with the objective of ‘enhancing user safety and responsible gaming practices’. As part of its objective, the CoE has introduced guidelines on mandatory age-gating and stringent KYC verification for fantasy gaming platforms, implementation of user-defined spending limits, undertaking regular third-party audits, implementing self-exclusion mechanisms and support tools, etc. The CoE will have a graded implementation, requiring gaming companies with revenue more than ₹100 crore per year to implement the CoE within 6 months while companies with revenue less than ₹100 crore per year within 9 months.
SPORTS NEWS UPDATE
1. MINISTRY INVITES COMMENTS ON DRAFT CODE AGAINST AGE FRAUD
The Department of Sports of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, on March 12, 2025, released the Draft National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports (NCAAFS) 2025, inviting public feedback by March 31, 2025. The Code, set to overhaul the existing framework on age fraud to align with the existing international standards and best practices, introduces provisions relating to centralized age verification, documentation requirements, penalties for violations, an appellate mechanism, a one-time amnesty program, a whistleblower mechanism, etc. to ensure fair competition and transparency. Stakeholders can submit feedback via email to [email protected] or by post to the Department of Sports, New Delhi by March 31, 2025.
2. SUPREME COURT CRITICIZES INDIA’S SPORTS BODIES AS “AILING” AMID WRESTLING FEDERATION DISPUTE
The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the governance of sports associations in India, calling them “ailing bodies” during a hearing on the de-affiliation of the Maharashtra Wrestling Association by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh expressed concerns over the lack of proper management in these organizations.
The dispute arose after the Bombay High Court upheld the Maharashtra Wrestling Association’s de-affiliation on October 8, 2024. The state body challenged the decision in the Supreme Court, which has sought responses from the Centre and WFI. This case highlights broader governance issues in Indian sports, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. The Supreme Court’s intervention could set significant precedents for the future of sports administration in the country.
3. DELHI HIGH COURT DIRECTS SPORTS MINISTRY TO ENSURE GENDER PARITY IN ATHLETE SELECTION
The Delhi High Court has instructed the central sports ministry to ensure gender parity in athlete participation at national sports federation events. Justice Sachin Datta emphasized that selection pools should not only include international participants but also athletes from domestic and Khelo India events.
The ruling came in response to a plea challenging the Badminton Association of India’s (BAI) February 13, 2025 notification, which allocated only eight slots for women para-athletes per event compared to 16 for men. The Court deemed this disparity unacceptable and cited the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, as the basis for ensuring equal opportunities.
BAI’s justification that fewer women had participated internationally was dismissed as “untenable”, with the Court stating that participants from domestic competitions should be considered. BAI has now committed to increasing women’s slots for the upcoming Khelo India Para Games 2025, prompting the Court to refrain from issuing binding directions.
4. SPORTS MINISTRY LIFTS SUSPENSION ON WRESTLING FEDERATION OF INDIA AMID GOVERNANCE CONCERNS
The Sports Ministry has revoked the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) after initially barring its newly elected Executive Committee from managing daily operations. The suspension, imposed in December 2023, was due to governance failures and procedural violations under the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011. The Ministry had also cited undue influence from former office bearers.
The previous ad-hoc committee, led by Bhupinder Singh Bajwa, has been disbanded, and all its decisions annulled. The suspension stemmed from WFI President Sanjay Singh’s unauthorized scheduling of junior national competitions without proper notice. Additionally, the Delhi High Court had reinstated the ad-hoc committee in response to allegations of misconduct raised by wrestlers like Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat.
With the suspension lifted, WFI can now resume full operations, but governance reforms remain a key concern for the Ministry.
5. POSTPONEMENT OF BOXING FEDERATION OF INDIA (BFI) ELECTIONS OVER STAYS ISSUED BY DELHI AND HIMACHAL PRADESH HIGH COURTS
The Hon’ble Delhi and Himachal Pradesh High Courts set aside a circular dated March 07, 2025, issued by the President of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), which restricted electoral representation in its elections, previously scheduled for March 28, 2025, to only elected members of the State units affiliated with the BFI. The ruling came in response to a petition filed by the Delhi Amateur Boxing Association (DABA) challenging the circular’s mandate, terming it illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional. DABA contended that as per clause 4 of the Model Election Guidelines, each permanent member, State, or Union Territory should be represented by two authorized individuals, and imposition of additional eligibility conditions is arbitrary. While the Delhi HC had permitted BFI to go ahead with the elections, with the result being subject to judicial scrutiny, the BFI postponed its elections in line with the Himachal Pradesh HC’s order requiring BFI to extend nomination deadlines.
6. NEW LAW TO TACKLE GOALKEEPER TIME-WASTING APPROVED
The new law wherein a goalkeeper holding the ball for more than eight seconds will be punished with a corner for the opposition was unanimously approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) at its annual general meeting and will be in place at FIFA’s Club World Cup, from June 15, 2025 to July 13, 2025. Under the current law keepers should be punished if they hold the ball for more than six seconds, with the opposition being awarded an indirect free-kick. Already trialled in over 400 games in three different competitions, including the Premier League 2, referees will also warn the goalkeepers with a five-second countdown before they are penalised.
7. TENNIS PLAYERS TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST GOVERNING BODIES OVER UNFAIR SYSTEM
A group of professional tennis players, led by the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), has filed a 163-page antitrust lawsuit against the sport’s governing bodies, accusing them of operating as a “cartel” that suppresses player wages, limits opportunities, and stifles competition. The lawsuit, filed in New York, London, and Brussels, names the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), International Tennis Federation (ITF), and International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) as defendants.
Notable players, including Nick Kyrgios, Sorana Cîrstea, and Reilly Opelka, are among the plaintiffs, though PTPA co-founder Novak Djokovic opted out to keep the focus on the broader player movement. The PTPA argues that players face an 11-month gruelling schedule, lack control over their own name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, and must manage their own travel and expenses without the benefits of a union.
Governing bodies have rejected the lawsuit’s claims, with ATP, WTA, and ITIA defending their operations. However, PTPA Executive Director Ahmad Nassar stated that players have exhausted all reform efforts and now have no choice but to seek legal action. The lawsuit also accuses the ATP and WTA of price-fixing, preventing tournaments from increasing prize money and limiting earnings potential. Players argue that, unlike other major sports, tennis lacks a true player union, leaving them without a voice in critical decisions.
8. WORLD BOXING NEARS CONCLUSION ON GENDER ELIGIBILITY INVESTIGATION AMID OLYMPIC REVIVAL
World Boxing is in the final stages of its investigation into the gender eligibility controversy that overshadowed the sport at the last Olympic Games, with findings expected within weeks. The issue arose after gold medalists Imane Khelif (Algeria) and Lin Yu-ting (Taiwan) were disqualified due to chromosome test results under the previous governing body, the International Boxing Association (IBA). Khelif has denied claims that she is transgender and remains determined to compete in Los Angeles 2028.
World Boxing, led by Boris van der Vorst, has formed a working group to establish a new eligibility policy, ensuring fairness and safety. The controversy adds urgency to the matter, especially after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reinstated boxing for the 2028 Olympics under World Boxing’s governance. Van der Vorst emphasized the need for scientific guidance and fairness while distancing the issue from political debates.
9. PREMIER LEAGUE DELAYS SEMI-AUTOMATED OFFSIDE TECHNOLOGY AFTER VAR CONTROVERSY
The Premier League has postponed the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) following its failure during an FA Cup match between Bournemouth and Wolves. The system malfunctioned due to a “congested penalty area”, leading to a record eight-minute VAR check before Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez had his goal disallowed for offside.
Originally planned for introduction after the international break, SAOT will undergo further trials in the FA Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final. The earliest it could debut in the Premier League is April 5-6, 2025, but clubs are hesitant to implement a major change with only eight matches remaining.
Although SAOT is designed to speed up offside decisions to 30 seconds, its failure in a high-profile match has raised doubts, with Premier League officials wary of further controversy surrounding VAR. Fans at the stadium voiced their frustration over the long delay, highlighting concerns about the technology’s reliability.
10. CADILLAC SECURES ENTRY AS FORMULA ONE’S 11TH TEAM FOR 2026
Formula One will expand to 11 teams in 2026 after approving Cadillac’s long-anticipated entry. Backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, Cadillac will initially use Ferrari engines before developing its own power unit.
The bid, originally led by Andretti (owned by former driver Michael Andretti), was initially rejected but gained approval due to Cadillac’s long-term commitment as a full works team and significant financial backing. Despite opposition from existing teams over prize money dilution, F1 saw Cadillac’s entry as too valuable to ignore.
The team will be based in Silverstone under principal Graeme Lowdon, with at least one American driver expected. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem called the move a transformative moment, while F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed GM’s commitment.
11. PREMIER LEAGUE’S ASSOCIATED PARTY TRANSACTION (APT) RULES DECLARED VOID AFTER TRIBUNAL’S RULING
Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction Rules, 2021 (APT Rules) to regulate transactions with associated parties, have been declared void following the ruling by an independent tribunal in the challenge brought by Manchester City. In the first decision, three provisions of the APT Rules, i.e., on exclusion of shareholder loans, the market value assessments process, and mechanism for challenging valuation, were held to be unlawful. Thereafter, second decision, the tribunal ruled such provisions to be inseverable from the APT Rules, thereby holding the entire APT Rules to be void and unenforceable. With their annulment, the previous Related Party Transaction (RPT) Rules are reinstated. Manchester City continues to challenge the amended rules, while clubs may now pursue compensation claims for financial losses linked to missed or undervalued sponsorships. The decision is expected to bring heightened scrutiny to future financial regulations in football.
12. WADA ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF INTELLIGENCE & INVESTIGATIONS CAPABILITY AND CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECT INTO ASIA AND OCEANIA
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced the expansion of its Intelligence & Investigations (I&I) Capability and Capacity Building Project to Asia and Oceania, building on its success in Europe. The initiative, spanning 61 countries, aims to strengthen anti-doping investigations and enhance collaboration with law enforcement agencies. As part of the two-year program, six advanced workshops will be held in 2025, with sessions hosted in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and India. The project will bolster in-house I&I capacity for National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) and law enforcement, concluding with a final conference funded by India’s NADO. WADA plans further expansion into the Americas (2026-27) and Africa (2028-29).
