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The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday directed the Haryana government to initiate legal action against opinion trading platforms that violate the recently enacted Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Act, 2025. Haryana becomes the second state to prohibit opinion trading platforms after the state of Chhattisgarh. 

The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel, issued the directive while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought a ban on opinion trading platforms and a halt to all related advertising across media platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, print, television, radio, and other digital outlets.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/digital-satta-in-disguise-legal-heat-intensifies-for-opinion-trading-apps-sportsbaazi-probo-tradex-65981.htm">Read More: Digital Satta in disguise: Legal heat intensifies for Opinion Trading apps SportsBaazi, Probo & TradeX</a>

During the hearing, the bench questioned the state about the enforcement of the new gambling law. The state government responded that the Act had come into force on April 9, 2025. In light of this, the bench instructed the authorities to take appropriate legal action against platforms engaging in opinion trading for violating the provisions of the Act.

The PIL, filed by Advocate Anuj Malik and a member of the New India Consumer Initiative, contended that opinion trading platforms disguise gambling as market speculation or public opinion analysis, thereby evading regulatory scrutiny.

The Act, introduced during the state’s recent budget session by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who also holds the Home portfolio, targets public gambling activities including sports and election betting and match-fixing. It includes stringent provisions, such as a minimum three-year imprisonment and a fine of at least ₹5 lakh for those involved in match- or spot-fixing, with repeat offenders facing up to seven years in prison.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/mpl-shuts-operations-of-opinio-in-haryana-amid-legal-crackdown-on-opinion-trading-66420.htm">MPL shuts operations of 'Opinio' in Haryana amid legal crackdown on Opinion Trading</a>

According to the provisions of the Act, “whoever indulges in match-fixing or spot-fixing in sports shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not less than three years and up to five years, and shall also be liable to a fine of not less than Rs 5 lakh.” A subsequent offense could result in imprisonment for up to seven years.

The Act defines a "bet" as “any agreement, whether oral, written, or otherwise, between two or more parties regarding the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event—past, present, or future—whose outcome is unknown to any or all of the parties at the time of the agreement, where the party making an incorrect prediction must pay or forfeit a stipulated consideration to the other party or parties involved, either monetary or non-monetary."

Interestingly, this definition of "bet" closely mirrors the format used by many opinion and sports trading platforms operating in India.

The court's directive comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny nationwide. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently issued a public advisory warning investors against interacting with such platforms, stating they are unregistered entities operating outside the legal financial ecosystem.

Further raising concerns, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) released a whitepaper highlighting the lack of regulation and advertising ethics in the burgeoning sector. ASCI cautioned that the portrayal of opinion trading as skill-based gaming could mislead consumers, particularly youth and financially vulnerable users.

During routine ad monitoring, ASCI encountered numerous advertisements from platforms like Probo, SportsBaazi, and TradeX that allow users to place bets on outcomes such as cricket match results—activities that appear to be speculative in nature.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/asci-flags-risks-of-opinion-trading-warns-of-misleading-advertisements-66490.htm">Read More: ASCI flags risks of Opinion Trading, warns of misleading advertisements</a>

Some platforms, like Probo, market themselves as skill-based platforms where users make predictions on upcoming events and earn rewards for correct answers. Others, such as SportsBaazi, even allow users to “buy stocks” in players based on performance metrics. Influencers have also been actively promoting such platforms on social media, often claiming they are legal and reliable—despite the absence of clear legal validation.

Experts argue that the lack of defined regulatory frameworks for opinion-based gaming has created a legal gray area. While these games continue to generate significant user engagement and revenue, their resemblance to gambling has raised alarms within the real-money gaming (RMG) industry.

Breaking: Punjab and Haryana HC orders crackdown on Opinion Trading platforms

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has released a whitepaper titled "Examining Opinion Trading in India", bringing much-needed attention to the rapidly growing but largely unregulated sector of opinion trading or prediction markets. The report urges regulatory clarity to address potential financial risks and advertising ethics surrounding these platforms.

According to data cited by the National Initiative for Consumer Interest (NICI), opinion trading platforms currently boast over 50 million users and see transactions exceeding ₹50,000 crore annually. These platforms allow users to place monetary bets on binary outcomes of real-world events, such as sports results or political developments.

Globally, such platforms are regulated either under financial instruments or gambling laws. In India, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued an advisory on April 29, 2025, cautioning the public that opinion trading does not fall under its regulatory purview, as it does not involve trading of securities.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/opinion-trading-platforms-sportsbaazi-probo-tradex-banned-in-chhattisgarh-64735.htm">Read More: Opinion Trading platforms SportsBaazi, Probo, TradeX banned in Chhattisgarh</a>

ASCI has observed a surge in promotional activity from both domestic and international platforms, with influencers frequently marketing opinion trading as skill- and knowledge-based gaming. However, the whitepaper warns that many such advertisements could be misleading and amount to pure speculation, posing serious financial risks—especially to young and financially vulnerable users.

The watchdog emphasized the urgent need for regulatory direction. “If such activities are permitted by law, advertising guidelines must be developed to protect consumers. If not, all stakeholders must work to ensure that unlawful advertising is monitored and penalized,” ASCI stated.

ASCI’s whitepaper includes a survey of international advertising self-regulators, revealing a fragmented global regulatory approach. While some countries treat opinion trading as gambling and block such apps, others regulate them as financial instruments under commodity trading laws.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/breaking-sebi-flags-illegal-opinion-trading-platforms-warns-public-to-stay-away-63788.htm">Read More: SEBI flags 'illegal' opinion trading platforms, warns public to stay away</a>

In India, the situation remains murky. During routine ad monitoring, ASCI encountered numerous advertisements from platforms like Probo, SportsBaazi, and TradeX that allow users to place bets on outcomes such as cricket match results—activities that appear to be speculative in nature.

Some platforms, like Probo, market themselves as skill-based platforms where users make predictions on upcoming events and earn rewards for correct answers. Others, such as SportsBaazi, even allow users to “buy stocks” in players based on performance metrics. Influencers have also been actively promoting such platforms on social media, often claiming they are legal and reliable—despite the absence of clear legal validation.

The state of Chhattisgarh recently banned Probo, SportsBaazi, and TradeX under the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act, following a public interest litigation. This move reflects growing concerns around the legal and ethical implications of opinion trading.

Manisha Kapoor, CEO & Secretary General of ASCI, said, “Opinion trading platforms raise serious concerns as their structure and mechanics closely resemble betting in some instances, and can expose consumers to significant financial risk. The advertising that accompanies these platforms often heightens the risk, with exaggerated claims of easy winnings and false assurances of reliability. No disclaimers cautioning consumers are provided. ASCI’s whitepaper highlights these risks and urges urgent regulatory clarity so appropriate steps can be taken to protect consumers from potential harm.” 

ASCI plans to escalate any questionable advertising it encounters to the relevant regulators for legal evaluation. The council also emphasized that if opinion trading is legally sanctioned in the future, advertisements must include appropriate disclaimers—similar to those required in the real-money gaming sector.

The whitepaper states, "ASCI plans to escalate all such advertisments that it comes across to the regulators, for them to decide upon the legality of such advertisements. In addition, should the regulator or courts clarify that such advertisements are legally permitted, it is important to maintain the warnings and disclaimers that are required for real money gaming. These are absent in the advertisements that ASCI has come across in its monitoring effort."

ASCI has come across ads of several opinion trading platforms where the gaming format appears to be based on pure speculation, such as predicting the outcome of a live sporting event. Predicting match wins appears to be one of the most common forms of opinion trading. 

The report added, that the advertising viewed and analysed there is a sense that these involve an element of risk because there are chances of financial losses. The question of whether these are to be viewed as knowledge or skill based games or games based on pure speculation remains unanswered.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/digital-satta-in-disguise-legal-heat-intensifies-for-opinion-trading-apps-sportsbaazi-probo-tradex-65981.htm">Read More: Digital Satta in disguise: Legal heat intensifies for Opinion Trading apps SportsBaazi, Probo & TradeX</a>


ASCI flags risks of Opinion Trading, warns of misleading advertisements

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), in its latest submission to the Adjudicating Authority (AA) overseeing money laundering cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), has levelled serious allegations against Nishant Pitti, co-founder of online travel company EaseMyTrip. The submission forms part of an ongoing investigation into the Mahadev online betting application.

According to the ED, Pitti is allegedly linked to the operations of Sky Exchange, an illegal betting platform associated with the Mahadev app. The agency has outlined four key allegations implicating Pitti and his company. ED asserts that Pitti was aware of Sky Exchange's activities, which are central to the illegal betting network under scrutiny.

Reportedly, Pitti's firm allegedly made payments to two shell entities—Nischay Trading Private Ltd. and Silvertoss Shoppers Pvt. Ltd.—which the ED has identified as "entry-providing" companies linked to Sky Exchange.

During searches conducted in April, ₹7 lakh in cash was recovered from Pitti's residence. The ED maintains that these funds could be potential proceeds of crime and may be linked to the betting platform's operations.

The ED also alleges that Pitti maintained contact with an operator involved in manipulating stock prices of listed companies by using privileged access to beneficial shareholding positions (Benpos). The manipulation allegedly involved an information arbitrage stemming from the difference in access to Benpos by promoters versus the public, which only sees such data quarterly.

The ED’s application includes digital evidence from the laptop of Prashant Bagri, an associate of an accused in the case. The data reportedly lists Pitti as an agent of Sky Exchange. Additionally, the ED claims that EaseMyTrip made financial remittances in 2021 to the aforementioned shell companies, suggesting the firm was involved in laundering proceeds from the illegal betting operations.

The ED estimates that the scam involved the manipulation of stock prices of 25 listed entities using illegal proceeds totaling ₹350 crore. However, the agency clarified that the allegations are subject to judicial review and validation.

In response to the allegations, EaseMyTrip had issued a public statement distancing itself from the controversy. "As per information available in the public domain, the ED conducted searches at over 50 locations of various persons and corporates. Amongst them was one EaseMyTrip premises,” a spokesperson for the company said.

The company also confirmed the ED's search through a regulatory filing in April, stating: "The premises was searched and no incriminating documents or digital records were found. No seizure was made from the premises."

EaseMyTrip reiterated that it has no direct or indirect association with the Mahadev betting app or any other illegal betting platform and has expressed full cooperation with authorities.

The investigation into the Mahadev app, a widespread online betting racket, continues to expand as authorities delve deeper into the financial networks allegedly used to launder illegal earnings.

ED links EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti to Mahadev betting scam

Mobile Premier League (MPL), a leading online gaming platform, has ceased operations of 'Opinio' in Haryana following rising legal pressures on opinion trading platforms. This move comes in the wake of a growing regulatory crackdown, with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking an immediate ban on such platforms, including restrictions on their advertising and promotional activities. The matter is scheduled for hearing on May 20.

The updated Terms and Conditions on MPL Opinio, explicitly prohibit users in Haryana from participating in "formats that pertain to events whose outcome is unknown," including both MPL Opinio and MPL Fantasy games. The statement reads, "Formats that pertain to events whose outcome is unknown, specifically MPL Opinio and MPL Fantasy, shall not be used by users located in the state of Haryana.

In full the platform's terms and conditions read, "This Platform may not be used by persons located in the states of Assam, Nagaland, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Further, there may be certain games that may be restricted in some additional states. To understand more about who may use this platform please refer to Our Eligibility section. Formats that pertain to events whose outcome is unknown, specifically MPL Opinio and MPL Fantasy, shall not be used by users located in the state of Haryana." 

The development follows the passage of the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025 during the state’s recent budget session. The legislation, introduced by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini—who also serves as the Home Minister—aims to curb public gambling, including sports and election betting, and match-fixing.

According to the provisions of the Act, “whoever indulges in match-fixing or spot-fixing in sports shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not less than three years and up to five years, and shall also be liable to a fine of not less than Rs 5 lakh.” A subsequent offense could result in imprisonment for up to seven years.

The Act defines a "bet" as “any agreement, whether oral, written, or otherwise, between two or more parties regarding the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event—past, present, or future—whose outcome is unknown to any or all of the parties at the time of the agreement, where the party making an incorrect prediction must pay or forfeit a stipulated consideration to the other party or parties involved, either monetary or non-monetary."

Interestingly, this definition of "bet" closely mirrors the format used by many opinion and sports trading platforms operating in India. However, under Section 1(3) of the Act, “It shall come into force on such date as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette.” It remains unclear when the state government will enforce the Act, which could effectively ban opinion trading platforms in Haryana.

The scrutiny of opinion trading platforms is not limited to Haryana. These platforms were recently banned in Chhattisgarh and are currently under the scanner in several other states. Opinion trading platforms such as SportsBaazi, Probo and TradeX remained banned in the state of Chhattisgarh. 

In a recent development, the Supreme Court of India reinstated a case originally dismissed by the Gujarat High Court. The PIL, filed by petitioner Sumit Kapurbhai Prajapati, challenges the legality of opinion trading apps. The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, criticized the Gujarat High Court for dismissing the matter due to a similar case being heard in the Bombay High Court and restored the petitioner’s right to be heard.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has called for a nationwide ban on opinion trading platforms, describing them as a digital form of gambling or "online satta." In a letter addressed to IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, CAIT highlighted the risks these platforms pose to India's democratic fabric by allowing users to speculate on election outcomes. The organization expressed fears that such platforms could manipulate public sentiment and erode trust in electoral processes.

Experts argue that the lack of defined regulatory frameworks for opinion-based gaming has created a legal gray area. While these games continue to generate significant user engagement and revenue, their resemblance to gambling has raised alarms within the real-money gaming (RMG) industry. Industry observers emphasize the urgent need for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to issue clear guidelines that address the legal, ethical, and financial implications of these platforms.

Storyboard18 has reached out to MPL for an official comment. This story will be updated upon receiving a response.

MPL shuts operations of 'Opinio' in Haryana amid legal crackdown on Opinion Trading

After being banned in Chhattisgarh, opinion trading platforms such as SportsBaazi, Probo and TradeX are now under legal scrutiny in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, with a new Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding an immediate halt of their operations alongwith their advertising and promotional activities. The matter will be heard on May 20. 

The PIL (a copy of which is with Storyboard18), filed by Advocate Anuj Malik and a member of the New India Consumer Initiative, has urged the court to restrain all forms of advertisement and marketing related to opinion trading—particularly on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, radio, print, television, and other digital media. The petitioner contends that these platforms operate as disguised betting services under the garb of market speculation and public opinion analysis.

Highlighting the advertising strategies used by these companies, the petition alleges that they actively engage in surrogate marketing, celebrity endorsements, and manipulative digital campaigns aimed at youth. Despite repeated advisories from regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), these platforms continue to promote betting-like behavior, the PIL claims.

"These advertisements deliberately blur the lines between legal trading and illegal gambling. They use sophisticated terminology like 'profit margins,' 'stop loss,' and 'real-time markets' to present themselves as legitimate investment tools, misleading users—especially young and financially inexperienced individuals."

In a parallel move, the Chhattisgarh government informed its High Court that it has already issued formal directives to block SportsBaazi, Probo and TradeX under the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act, 2022, classifying them as online gambling services.

Storyboard18 reached out to SportsBaazi and Probo for their comments. They have declined to respond. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/opinion-trading-platforms-sportsbaazi-probo-tradex-banned-in-chhattisgarh-64735.htm">Opinion Trading platforms SportsBaazi, Probo, TradeX banned in Chhattisgarh</a>

The PIL filed by Malik also argues that the state's inaction in curbing such promotional tactics violates constitutional protections, including Article 14 (equality before the law) and Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty), by allowing unlawful trade that leads to financial exploitation and societal harm.

In response to the PIL, a bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel has sought the Centre’s position on the matter. The list of respondents spans several key ministries and regulators, including MeitY, MIB, Ministry of Home Affairs, SEBI, RBI, and the Enforcement Directorate.

Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a public advisory cautioning investors against engaging with opinion trading platforms. According to SEBI, these platforms simulate investment environments but fundamentally operate on yes/no betting models—a form of gambling not covered by any existing investor protection mechanisms.

SEBI underscored that such platforms, which are neither recognized stock exchanges nor registered intermediaries, are operating outside the scope of legal financial markets, and any securities-related transactions conducted through them would be deemed illegal.

The PIL filed by Malik has now been tagged with another petition filed in the court seeking action against the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and several high-profile celebrities for allegedly promoting illegal online gambling platforms.

Interestingly, The Haryana government's Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025, passed during the budget session in the state's Vidhan Sabha, also cast doubts on the operations of opinion trading platforms in India. These platforms are also currently under scrutiny in the Gujarat High Court. Earlier, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) had formally urged the Indian government to ban opinion trading apps and websites referring it as 'Digital Satta'.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who also holds the Home portfolio, introduced the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025, which aims to prevent and penalize individuals involved in public gambling, operating common gambling houses, betting on sports or elections, and engaging in match-fixing or spot-fixing in sports.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/digital-satta-haryanas-new-gambling-bill-casts-shadow-over-opinion-trading-platforms-63411.htm">Read More: Digital Satta: Haryana govt’s new Gambling Act casts shadow over Opinion Trading platforms</a>

The unchecked rise of such games on real-money gaming platforms has also drawn the attention of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Globally, in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, opinion trading apps and websites are classified as wagering platforms and are regulated. In India, however, there is still a lack of specific legislation to govern these activities.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/cait-demands-ban-on-opinion-trading-apps-says-digital-satta-a-threat-to-democracy-59729.htm">Read More: CAIT demands ban on opinion trading apps, says 'Digital Satta' a threat to democracy</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/opinion-trading-apps-games-now-under-meitys-scanner-54324.htm">Read More: Opinion trading apps, games now under MeitY's scanner</a>

Digital Satta in disguise: Legal heat intensifies for Opinion Trading apps SportsBaazi, Probo & TradeX

On Wednesday, gaming companies appearing before a division bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, contested that a game of skill cannot be classified as gambling when stakes are involved pointing out that historical legal interpretation shows that 'even a scintilla of skill' was once enough to avoid gambling classification.

The bench, comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, heard impassioned arguments that drew from decades of legal precedent, constitutional interpretation, and the evolution of gambling laws in India.

Gaming firms, including leading operator Gameskraft, contended that games like rummy fall squarely within the legal definition of “games of skill.” Their lawyers emphasized that historically, even a “scintilla of skill” was sufficient to distinguish a game from gambling in the eyes of the law.

Representing the Union government, Additional Solicitor General N. Venkatraman laid out a nuanced legal framework, citing three categories of case law. He pointed out that when older Gambling Acts included a “carve-out clause” for games of skill, several High Courts upheld the legality of such games even when played for money.

Interestingly, even after some states amended their laws to remove this protective clause, courts have continued to allow wagering on skill games. Venkatraman argued that the phrase “betting and gambling” should be interpreted as “betting on gambling”—that is, betting on games of chance—not on games demonstrably driven by skill.

Senior advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Gameskraft, took direct aim at recent efforts to categorize online rummy as gambling. In his argument, Singhvi made a clear distinction between games of chance and games of skill, asserting that the mere presence of stakes does not turn a skill-based game into a gambling activity.

He underscored this position with references to landmark judgments and sections of the GST Act. Singhvi also highlighted the potential financial fallout for gaming companies, pointing to hefty tax demands based on a revised interpretation of online rummy as gambling.

A significant portion of the hearing focused on the operational structure of online gaming platforms. Counsel clarified that these companies act as intermediaries or service providers—not bookmakers or betting operators—thereby reinforcing their legal position under existing laws.

In a noteworthy moment, the government’s own legal team acknowledged in writing that playing a skill-based game for stakes does not alter its fundamental nature. This admission could prove to be a game-changer as the court moves toward a consolidated hearing on gaming-related legal matters.

‘Scintilla of Skill’ argument returns as gaming companies challenge govt's stance in SC

In a decisive step against digital betting, the Chhattisgarh Government has informed the High Court that it has issued formal notices to block opinion trading platforms such as Probo, SportsBaazi, and TradeX, categorizing them as online gambling under the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act, 2022.

The development came as part of an ongoing hearing in the Chhattisgarh High Court, where the bench underscored the urgency of curbing such platforms. The court urged the Central Government to act swiftly on the state’s request to block access to these websites, emphasizing the risk they pose to minors and first-time internet users in rural areas.

The case originated from a Public Interest Litigation filed by petitioner Sunil Namdeo, which questioned the unchecked operation of illegal online betting platforms despite the 2022 legislation aimed at prohibiting such activities. The court had earlier directed both the state and central governments to present their enforcement strategies regarding the issue.

The court’s direction was to reinforce Chhattisgarh’s commitment against gambling and betting platforms operating in contravention of state gambling laws posing risks to vulnerable users, particularly minors and first-time internet users in rural areas.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/no-skill-involved-chhattisgarh-hc-directs-probe-into-opinion-trading-apps-61545.htm">Read More: ‘No Skill Involved’: Chhattisgarh HC directs probe into opinion trading apps</a>

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has also raised red flags about these platforms. In a recent public advisory, SEBI warned users against engaging with opinion trading apps, stating that these platforms essentially function as betting systems where users wager on the outcome of yes/no propositions. 

SEBI cautioned that despite using financial market jargon such as "profits," "stop loss," and "trading," these platforms fall outside its regulatory scope as they do not involve securities trading. As a result, investor protection mechanisms under SEBI do not apply to transactions on these platforms.

Industry stakeholders have also voiced concerns. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) previously wrote to Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Piyush Goyal, calling for a nationwide ban on opinion trading apps. CAIT referred to them as a form of “digital satta,” warning of their potential impact on India’s democratic fabric. The organization highlighted that allowing users to bet on election outcomes could influence public opinion and pose a serious threat to electoral integrity.

In a similar vein, the New Indian Consumer Initiative (NICI) PEN Media Literacy recently announced plans to send a joint representation to various regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Finance, SEBI, and the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), seeking a complete ban on opinion trading platforms.

Storyboard18 had previously reported on the rise of real-money gaming platforms offering opinion trading games, which has caught the attention of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Globally, countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia regulate opinion trading as a form of wagering. In contrast, India currently lacks specific central legislation governing these platforms, leading to regulatory ambiguity.

With mounting pressure from state governments, consumer bodies, and trade associations, the future of opinion trading platforms in India remains uncertain—but under growing scrutiny.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/breaking-sebi-flags-illegal-opinion-trading-platforms-warns-public-to-stay-away-63788.htm">Breaking: SEBI flags 'illegal' opinion trading platforms, warns public to stay away</a>

Opinion Trading platforms SportsBaazi, Probo, TradeX banned in Chhattisgarh

In a case with major implications for India’s rapidly growing online real money gaming industry, the Union government has laid out its firm position on what constitutes gambling—regardless of whether the activity is based on skill or chance. 

Appearing before a division bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) N. Venkatraman presented what he called the “seven sutras” or principles of gambling. These principles aim to create a clear legal framework around wagering, particularly in the context of real money gaming (RMG), a space that has seen explosive growth but remains mired in regulatory ambiguity.

In a methodical and strongly worded submission, Venkatraman drew upon earlier judicial rulings to stress that the presence of a financial stake—not the nature of the game—is the deciding factor in defining gambling. The seven key principles he laid out are:

1) There is no gambling if no stakes are involved, irrespective of whether the underlying game is a game
Of skill or game of chance.
2) There is gambling, once stakes are involved, irrespective of whether the underlying game is a game
Of skill or game of chance.
3) A game of chance involving even a competition fee is gambling. (RMDC)
4) A game of skill is per se not gambling.
5) A game of skill, when played with stakes, makes it gambling. (RMDC, Satyanarayana and Lakshmanan)
6) A game of skill played with stakes, though gambling, does not re-characterize the underlying game
From game of skill into game of chance.
7) Protection by some of the states on games of skill played with stake from penalty and prosecution Is proof that the same is nothing but gambling. Such an express carve-out exempting and protecting Gambling on games of skill from penal consequences is called for only because it is otherwise “gambling”. Games of skill played with stakes will not seize to be gambling merely because of a Protection given from penal consequences.

In short: when money is on the line, the government believes it’s gambling—skill or not.

To drive the point home, Venkatraman used a sports analogy. He argued that even if a player like Lionel Messi bets on himself to score four goals—or a fan places the same bet—the action is a prediction of an uncertain outcome and cannot be seen as controlled or entirely skill-based. “The dissection of game of chance and skill gets obliterated after one puts a stake on it,” he said.

He also clarified the position on horse racing. While racing is recognized as a game of skill, betting on it becomes gambling when done outside a licensed racecourse.

In a memorable line, Venkatraman added: “A game of dice leads to a game of vice.”

“We have no issue with games of skill,” Venkatraman reiterated, “but when a person wagers on the outcome, even in a game of skill, it amounts to gambling.” He warned that real money gaming platforms may fall foul of multiple state laws, even if the games they host are skill-based.

Venkatraman also argued that RMG platforms go far beyond just providing a venue. “They facilitate the entire flow of money,” he noted, pointing to features like “cash-in” and “cash-out” systems and in-house game rule-setting as proof of deeper involvement than simple software leasing.

The debate also touched on taxation under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework. Venkatraman emphasized that there is no distinction between skill and chance when it comes to GST levies.

Smita Singh, a partner at S&A Law Offices, elaborated on the implications. “Actionable claims like lottery, betting, and gambling are generally outside GST’s purview,” she said. “But betting and gambling aren’t clearly defined under GST laws.”

She pointed to a crucial shift in October 2023, when the GST Council decided that horse racing, rummy, and online gaming fall within the list of actionable claims. This has far-reaching consequences, Singh warned. “It changes how online gaming is classified—from services to goods. That’s a stark deviation from GST’s basic classification principles.”

With hearings set to continue until May 9, however the matter is likely to be extended for further dates. The Supreme Court’s verdict could reshape the legal and business landscape for India’s booming online gaming sector. 

Breaking: Supreme Court hears Centre’s ‘Seven Sutras’ on gambling in online games

A recent report by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has revealed alarming details about unauthorized online betting platforms operating in India, which have generated illicit proceeds worth thousands of crores through sophisticated money laundering schemes.

According to the Directorate of Enforcement Annual Report 2024–25, several unregulated platforms, including the widely known Fairplay app, have been involved in illegal activities such as unauthorized live-streaming of sporting events and online casino-style gambling. In one major case, the Fairplay app illegally broadcasted Indian Premier League (IPL) matches to facilitate betting, resulting in significant financial losses for the official broadcaster, Star India.

Another syndicate reportedly used promotional .apk files to distribute gambling apps. These platforms promised high returns to users who registered and deposited money into digital wallets, ultimately amassing over ₹400 crore (approximately $48 million) in illicit gains.

<strong>Unregulated Apps & Websites</strong>

The key findings of Enforcement Directorate on illegal betting and gambling websites includes on details of fraudsters creating and promoting betting apps on social media and messaging platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp, often disguising them as “online gaming.” These apps operated without licenses and were frequently hosted on overseas servers to evade Indian jurisdiction.

The ED report highlights that many of these platforms used manipulated algorithms. While users might initially win small sums to build confidence, they were later subjected to consistent losses.

The investigations found that users were instructed to deposit funds via UPI and IMPS into bank accounts that were not in the name of any legitimate business. These so-called “mule accounts” were held by individuals or shell entities to anonymously collect funds.

The accounts were often registered as merchants with payment aggregators like RazorPay and PayU. This allowed the collection of large sums in pool accounts, further obscuring the money trail and making it difficult for authorities to trace funds to the primary culprits, the report said. 

Once funds were collected, they were routed through a labyrinth of accounts to avoid detection. The Fairplay case involved hundreds of such mule accounts. Ultimately, large amounts were funnelled into shell companies, including one posing as a pharmaceutical firm in Mumbai.

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, had informed the Lok Sabha that tackling these issues requires close collaboration between the central and state governments.

During the Question Hour, Vaishnaw had emphasized that the central government takes prompt action whenever violations come to its notice, ensuring all measures align with the Constitutional framework. "In 2022, only 14 betting and gambling platforms were banned and by 2024 the number reached to 1097. We are continuously trying and even we are getting a lot cooperation from the society."

<strong>Siphoning Money Overseas</strong>

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier claimed that ₹4,500 crore were proceeds of crime of the online gaming and betting application Fairplay that has been alleged to be involved in money laundering.

The ED recently filed its prosecution complaint (chargesheet) in the case against Fairplay, detailing how it allegedly ran a sophisticated network of shell entities, offshore entities, financial intermediaries and complex money-laundering operations.

The ED report notes that criminals transferred money abroad using cryptocurrencies or falsified import-export transactions. These cross-border transfers made the illicit gains even harder to track.

Laundered funds were often reintroduced into the Indian economy under the guise of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In the case of OctaFX, funds returned as share capital to Indian startups, giving the appearance of legitimate foreign investment. Criminals also used the funds to purchase real estate, luxury goods, or make investments in businesses under their control.

Based on these revelations, the Directorate of Enforcement has initiated a series of actions to dismantle the networks behind such illegal platforms. The report urges heightened vigilance by users and financial institutions alike and recommends regulatory tightening around payment gateways and digital wallets.

In the Fairplay money laundering case, the ED said ₹111.59 crores have been seized by freezing bank accounts and properties worth ₹232.65 crores have been identified.

A report by Digital India Foundation stated that illegal betting and gambling activities in India have surged dramatically in recent years, with digital platforms accounting for a staggering 1.6 billion visits in just three months across four major sites. 

"India must shift from the current fragmented enforcement strategy to a comprehensive ecosystem-based approach that effectively disrupts the key enablers sustaining illegal betting and gambling operations," the report added.

It further added that the restrictions should include curbing digital media channels that drive user acquisition, tightening financial regulations to block illicit transactions, and enhancing enforcement mechanisms to ensure long-term disruption of these illegal operations. 


Cryptos, shell firms, and fake FDI: ED report exposes India's betting syndicates

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court has brought the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and several high-profile celebrities under scrutiny for allegedly promoting illegal online gambling platforms. The PIL will be heard by division bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel on April 30.

Advocate Davinder Singh has sought immediate judicial intervention to curb what he describes as the rampant and unchecked promotion of illegal betting apps such as Fairplay, 1xBet, Parimatch, Betway, Stake, Lotus365, and SkyExchange.

The petition (a copy of which is with Storyboard18) states that ASCI, the industry self-regulatory body, is failing to act against misleading advertisements. The petitioner argues that ASCI has not fulfilled its mandate, by allowing celebrity endorsements that glamorize and legitimize these illegal platforms.

The petition states, "ASCI has failed to monitor and take timely action against misleading advertisements promoting gambling in violation of its Code and the Consumer Protection Act".

Citing Sections 21 and 89 of the Act, the PIL demands prosecution and penal action against endorsers, including actors Ranbir Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Esha Gupta, Urvashi Rautela, Jacqueline Fernandez, and singers like Badshah and Karan Aujla. These endorsements, the petition claims, mislead consumers, particularly vulnerable youth, by portraying gambling as safe and rewarding.

“The endorsements create a false legitimacy and have devastating consequences for impressionable audiences,” the petition states. Several tragic incidents have been highlighted in the plea, including student suicides attributed to betting addiction and financial losses incurred on these platforms.

The petitioner has urged the court to direct ASCI to initiate legal proceedings against the celebrity endorsers and to enforce its code of advertising more stringently. The petition also calls on the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to block access to these websites and coordinate with enforcement agencies to investigate money laundering, data privacy breaches, and the misuse of Aadhaar and mobile data.

Petition states, "Whether the inaction or regulatory failure of the ASCI in monitoring and penalizing such misleading advertisements violates its statutory duty under the consumer Consumer Protection framework and its self-regulatory code?" 

The PIL has named ASCI as a respondent alongside the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh; the Ministry of Electronics and IT; the Enforcement Directorate (ED); and the celebrities in question.

Singh is pushing for the immediate creation of comprehensive regulations to govern advertising and operations of online betting platforms. He further pleads timely enforcement of Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which allows the government to block public access to illegal online content, and to take decisive action against violators. The petition stresses the public health, economic, and legal risks these platforms pose, and argues for a holistic regulatory framework.

Advocate Davinder Singh, petitioner told Storyboard18, "It is unfortunate that celebrities openly promote betting and gambling platforms without considering its ill effects on the society. ASCI on the other hand is failing drastically to fulfil its duty to report such misleading advertisements." 

Between April and August 2024, ASCI flagged over 700 advertisements from illegal betting and gambling companies and forwarded them to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/exclusive-asci-to-report-snoop-dogg-backed-gambling-platform-roobet-to-mib-57751.htm">Read More: ASCI to report Snoop Dogg backed gambling platform ‘Roobet’ to MIB</a>

Concerns over surrogate advertising have also been raised. In a letter to MIB Secretary Sanjay Jaju, stakeholders in the Real Money Gaming (RMG) industry highlighted how offshore betting operators such as Melbet, Dafabet, Vegas11, Fun88, and 1xBet are disguising ads under similar-sounding brands like Melbat, Dafanews, Vegas11 Sports News, Fun88 News, and Batery.AI.

In a separate but related development, another PIL was recently filed in the Supreme Court by evangelist K.A. Paul, citing the damaging influence of online betting apps on the country’s youth. That petition calls for an immediate ban on such apps and seeks legal action against celebrities—including popular cricketers and actors from Bollywood and South India—who promote these platforms and allegedly mislead their fans by encouraging harmful behavior.

In 2023, MIB issued an advisory to state chief secretaries to crack down on outdoor advertising by gambling and betting companies. Apurva Chandra, Secretary of the MIB, reiterated previous advisories that prohibit such promotions in traditional media and pointed out a shift toward outdoor channels—hoardings, posters, banners, and even auto-rickshaw branding—as a new way these companies are promoting their services. The letter urged local authorities to take immediate and appropriate action to curb these outdoor ads.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/asci-finds-healthcare-and-illegal-betting-top-violative-sector-in-fy24-32344.htm">Read More: ASCI finds healthcare and illegal betting top violative sector in FY24</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/asci-signs-mou-with-the-online-gaming-federations-to-protect-consumers-against-offshore-betting-ads-57043.htm">Read More: ASCI signs MoU with the online gaming federations to protect consumers against offshore betting ads</a>

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