Delhi High Court Today (Aug 27) refused to directly ban unregulated betting and gambling apps. The Court said the petitioner should first make a fresh representation before the government.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to directly hear a plea that had asked for a ban on mobile applications promoting unregulated gambling and betting.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said that instead of the Court, the petitioner should first approach the concerned government authorities and file a proper representation regarding the matter.
The petitioner’s lawyer argued that even though a new law on online gaming has come into force, it does not cover gambling and betting apps in detail.
The law in question is the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
The counsel said,
“The new law pertains to money games, and the PIL is restricted to online betting and gambling. It is silent on gambling and betting activities. I am seeking a ban on unregulated betting and gambling … They (apps promoting the same) operate through the Google, Apple Store.”
In response, the Bench made it clear that the first step should be to raise this concern before the government.
Chief Justice Upadhyaya stated,
“Firstly, make a representation to the authorities (with your concern) that the ills will not be cured despite the new law. Then, we will see.”
The petitioner informed the Court that he had already sent a representation in April to the government but no action was taken.
The Court, however, noted that since a new law has now been passed, he can again submit a fresh representation to highlight that his concerns remain unresolved.
The Bench said,
“Since a new law has been enacted and even after the enactment of the law, if the grievances as per him are not redressed, he is allowed to make a representation to the authorities and draw attention to the running of such online apps. If the representation is made, the same shall be attended to by the authorities, and appropriate action shall be taken with expedition. Disposed of.”
With this observation, the Court formally disposed of the petition.
Explanatory Table of Laws & Legal References in the Case
| Law / Reference | What It Means | Relevance in the Case |
|---|---|---|
| Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 | A newly enacted central law aimed at regulating online gaming in India, especially games that involve money but are based on skill. It sets rules for licensing, regulation, and penalties for illegal activities. | The petitioner argued that this Act does not cover gambling and betting apps properly. The Court noted the law exists but advised the petitioner to file a fresh representation if issues remain unaddressed. |
| Money Games (covered under Act) | Games played online that involve financial stakes but are skill-based (like online rummy, poker, or fantasy sports). | The petitioner’s counsel pointed out that the new law mainly deals with money games and not with outright gambling or betting. |
| Online Betting & Gambling (not covered under Act) | Apps/websites where users stake money purely on chance (like cricket betting apps, roulette, or casino-style games). These are mostly unregulated in India and often run on international servers. | The plea was specifically asking for a ban on these unregulated betting and gambling apps. |
| Representation to Authorities (Legal Remedy) | Under Indian law, before coming to Court, citizens are expected to first approach the concerned government authority with a representation (formal written request). | The Court told the petitioner: “Firstly, make a representation to the authorities (with your concern) that the ills will not be cured despite the new law. Then, we will see.” |
Would You Like Assistance In Drafting A Legal Notice Or Complaint?
CLICK HERE
Click Here to Read Our Reports on CJI BR Gavai
Click Here to Read Our Reports on Betting and Gambling Apps
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
