Karnataka HC To Hear Pleas Against Law Banning Online Money Games On August 30

Last Updated:August 28, 2025, 14:10 IST

The development came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government issued a law last week to ban online games.

Several online gaming companies have challenged the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. (Representative Image)

Days after the central government issued a law banning online money-based games, companies, including A23 and Junglee Rummy, have challenged the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, before the Karnataka High Court.

The court will hear the pleas against the ban on August 30.

The appeal lodged by online gaming companies — A23 and Junglee Rummy — argues that the bill violates the right to do business and the right to equality. It further adds that regulation is a viable option, but not a complete ban on paid online gaming.

The development came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government issued a law last week to ban such online games, which the industry says rely on skill and are therefore not gambling.

Centre Bans Online Money Games

India’s real-money gaming industry has been thrown into turmoil after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, became a law which bans all money-based online games and prescribes penalties of up to Rs 1 crore and jail terms.

The Bill prohibits offering, aiding, abetting, or promoting online money gaming services in India. It includes a complete ban on advertisements and a bar on financial institutions from processing transactions for such platforms.

The ban applies to all forms of online betting and gambling, including fantasy sports, poker, rummy, card games, and online lotteries—regardless of whether they are based on skill, chance, or a combination of both.

Violations are non-bailable and carry steep penalties. Offering or operating online money games could result in up to three years of imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, while advertising or sponsoring them may attract up to two years in prison or a Rs 50 lakh fine.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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Karnataka, India, India

First Published:

August 28, 2025, 14:05 IST

News india Karnataka HC To Hear Pleas Against Law Banning Online Money Games On August 30

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