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The Karnataka High Court is set to hear a petition on August 30 filed by online gaming company A23 challenging the newly enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which bans all forms of online money games in India regardless of whether they are based on skill or chance. The legislation criminalizes running, facilitating, or processing online money games as cognisable and non-bailable offences, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.

A23’s petition contends the law criminalizes legitimate skill-based gaming and was enacted without public consultation, violating constitutional protections including the right to trade and livelihood. The hearing marks a landmark legal test for the industry amid government concerns about addiction, financial harm, and money laundering risks posed by online money gaming.

The judgment will have significant implications for the future regulation of online gaming in Karnataka and potentially the broader Indian market.