SC issues notice to all states on plea against betting apps

The Supreme Court of India today issued notice to all 29 states in a PIL seeking to regulate betting applications.

"God of cricket is endorsing it. Everyone is endorsing..all celebrities..", the petitioner Dr. KA Paul told a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya  Bagchi today.

Dr Paul went on to ask the court to issue directions against endorsement of such applications by celebrities.

"It is desirable to issue notice to all the states. Consequently, let notice be issued to all states through their Chief Secretaries returnable in two weeks.", court went on to order.

In May, court had sought the Centre's response in the instant PIL. The PIL calls for a comprehensive central law to regulate and prohibit betting platforms, arguing that such apps are currently operating in violation of the Public Gambling Act.

Paul claims the lives of over 300 million Indian youth are at risk due to the unchecked spread of online betting. The petition also alleges government inaction, pointing out that only four out of 29 states have taken any steps to curb these platforms. The petition also referred to an FIR registered in March 2025 in Telangana against 25 Bollywood celebrities, cricketers, and influencers for misleading the public by promoting betting apps. Court has been told that PIL has been filed in "the larger public interest to safeguard the youth of India from the unregulated, exploitative, and dangerous online betting industry operating under the garb of fantasy sports and skill-based gaming".

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh was told by Paul that many children have committed suicide after getting involved in online betting and gambling applications.

Furthermore, the plea also raises questions over online influencers, actors and cricketers promoting these applications.

"More than 1,023 people committed suicide in Telangana, as 25 Bollywood and Tollywood actors/influencers played with the lives of the innocents", the petitioner appearing in person had told the court.

Court had asked the petitioner what could be done adding that petitioner was under a misconception that online betting could be stopped through a law. "Just like we can't stop people from committing murder, a law cannot prevent people from indulging in betting or gambling," Justice Surya Kant had said.

Case Title: Dr. KA Paul vs. Union of India and Ors.

Hearing Date: August 1, 2025

Bench: Justices Kant and Bagchi