The Supreme Court of India is currently deliberating on the regulation of online betting applications, prompted by a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by social activist Dr. K.A. Paul. The PIL seeks a comprehensive ban on both online and offline betting apps, citing concerns over their detrimental impact on youth, including financial distress and mental health issues.

During the hearing, the Court issued a notice to the central government, requesting a response on the matter. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh, observed that while betting and gambling are social issues that individuals voluntarily engage in, merely enacting laws may not suffice to curb them effectively.

The petitioner highlighted instances where celebrities and influencers allegedly promoted betting apps, potentially misleading the public and exacerbating the issue. Additionally, the PIL referenced cases from Telangana, where individuals reportedly faced severe consequences, including suicide, due to debts incurred from online betting.

This development underscores the complexities involved in regulating online betting in India, where gambling laws are primarily governed at the state level, leading to a fragmented legal framework. The Supreme Court’s forthcoming decisions could pave the way for more unified and stringent regulations to address the challenges posed by online betting platforms.

Sources