Supreme Court Flags Online Betting, Gambling During IPL; Seeks App Regulation
On May 23, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued a notice to the central government, seeking its response on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that calls for regulation of online betting and gambling applications. The PIL was filed by K. A. Paul, who highlighted concerns over the increasing involvement of children and youth in online betting, particularly during events like the Indian Premier League (IPL). Paul alleged that such involvement has led to numerous suicides among young individuals, attributing part of the blame to celebrities and influencers who promote these platforms.
The bench, comprising Justices Surya and N. Kotiswar Singh, acknowledged the seriousness of the issue but expressed limitations in addressing it solely through legal means. They noted that while the concern is valid, societal factors and voluntary participation in betting activities pose challenges to enforcement. The court emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach, involving both legal frameworks and societal awareness, to effectively tackle the problem.
