Supreme Court to Hear Online Gaming Ban Petitions on Nov 4

India’s Supreme Court will hear consolidated petitions on 4 November 2025 challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which bans all online games involving stakes. The law has raised concerns in the country’s real money gaming (RMG) sector, with several companies halting operations and seeking urgent legal relief.

The case will be heard by the Chief Justice of India, with the same bench that previously addressed GST-related online gaming petitions. Multiple companies had filed separate petitions in different high courts before consolidation. Head Digital Works, parent of platform A23, filed in Karnataka; Bagheera Carrom (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. filed in Delhi; and Clubboom 11 Sports and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. filed in Madhya Pradesh.

Public Feedback on Draft Online Gaming Rules

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta confirmed the government filed a reply focused on interim relief. Senior Advocate C.A. Sundaram noted the reply does not address the main constitutional questions. While minor overlaps with GST exist regarding Union legislative powers, the petitions primarily challenge the Act’s validity.

Separately, the government is seeking public feedback on a draft framework regulating eSports and online social gaming until 31 October 2025. The plan proposes establishing the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) to oversee registration, compliance, and operation of online games. The framework also includes grievance redressal mechanisms and penalties for violations.

The Supreme Court hearing on 4 November 2025 is expected to clarify real money gaming regulations India-wide and guide companies navigating the new legal framework. The ruling could decide whether gaming laws remain a state subject or move under national control, impacting India’s fast-growing online gaming ecosystem.