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In a major escalation of its crackdown on online betting platforms, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued summons to tech giants Google and Meta, seeking their appearance on July 21. The two companies are being probed for allegedly facilitating the promotion of illegal betting apps, marking a new front in the ongoing investigation into financial crimes tied to digital gambling operations.

According to ED sources, both companies are suspected of providing advertising access and visibility to websites and applications currently under investigation for serious offences, including money laundering and hawala transactions. The probe suggests that by hosting or promoting these platforms, Google and Meta may have played a role—direct or indirect—in amplifying the reach of apps that have operated under the guise of skill-based games.

Tech Giants Face Tough Questions

The ED’s notice to Google and Meta underscores growing regulatory concerns over how global digital platforms handle advertising content, especially from sectors that are banned or highly regulated in India. Investigators are focusing on advertising inventory made available to suspected betting platforms and whether either company made sufficient efforts to comply with Indian laws restricting such promotions.

This development is part of a broader investigation in which multiple influencers, celebrities, and marketing platforms have come under scrutiny for endorsing or distributing promotional content for betting brands. The most prominent among them is Parimatch, an offshore betting company that has aggressively marketed itself in India despite the legal ambiguities around online betting.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/quick-commerce-or-quick-cash-zeptos-promotion-of-illegal-betting-firm-parimatch-61067.htm">Read More: Quick Commerce or Quick cash? Zepto’s promotion of illegal betting firm Parimatch</a>

Earlier this year, Zepto, a quick-commerce startup, was found to be distributing promotional flyers for Parimatch along with grocery orders, essentially delivering gambling ads to households. This move triggered criticism from consumer watchdogs and regulatory authorities for violating advertising norms.

Despite repeated advisories, some companies continue to promote offshore betting platforms in India, risking not only legal consequences but also public backlash, especially as these platforms are often linked to youth-targeted marketing.

Regulatory Clampdown Tightens

The ED's notices come amid heightened regulatory efforts from various arms of the government. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), and the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) have issued multiple advisories warning platforms and influencers against promoting gambling services.

Last week, the ED registered a case against 29 individuals, including prominent actors, television hosts, and social media influencers, for allegedly promoting these illegal betting applications. Celebrities like Prakash Raj, Rana Daggubati, and Vijay Deverakonda are among those who have been named in the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), with allegations that they received substantial financial compensation for endorsing these apps.

Among the cases, the Mahadev Betting App stands out as a high-profile financial scandal, with the total scam estimated to exceed Rs 6,000 crore. Several Bollywood celebrities have been questioned in connection with the case, which has also seen allegations of political kickbacks, including ED’s claim that former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel received over Rs 500 crore from the app's promoters.

In March 2024, the CCPA issued a strict warning under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, reiterating that any form of advertisement or endorsement of betting or gambling is illegal. The Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements (2022) further prohibit ads for products or services that are unlawful under existing legislation.

IT and Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressing the Lok Sabha, confirmed that 1,410 illegal gaming websites have been blocked in 2024 alone. He emphasized that while the Centre is taking proactive measures, state governments also need to formulate and enforce appropriate legislation to tackle the growing menace of online gambling.

Experts cite a growing concern over the socio-economic fallout of unchecked digital gambling. Authorities argue that aggressive advertising—especially on platforms with massive reach like Google and Meta—exposes young users to potentially addictive and financially ruinous services disguised as entertainment.

With the upcoming questioning of Google and Meta, the ED appears poised to test the accountability of tech platforms that serve as conduits for online advertising in India. The outcome could significantly impact how digital ad platforms vet their clients, especially in sectors prone to misuse.

If the ED establishes complicity or negligence, the case could serve as a precedent for tighter regulation of ad-tech operations and may compel platforms to review their ad approval protocols, particularly for markets with sensitive legal frameworks like India.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/tamil-nadu-govt-targets-tnpl-over-surrogate-ads-by-offshore-betting-platforms-rmg-industry-applauds-70281.htm">Read More: Tamil Nadu govt targets TNPL over surrogate ads by offshore betting platforms, RMG industry applauds</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/illegal-betting-apps-now-lure-indian-users-with-pornographic-content-37562.htm">Read More: Illegal betting apps now lure Indian users with pornographic content</a>

ED targets digital Ad ecosystem: Google, Meta accused of aiding illegal betting sites

Nazara Technologies’ esports subsidiary NODWIN Gaming has announced to raise a fresh round of capital from existing investors. However, Nazara has distanced itself from participation in the funding round. According to Nodwin Gaming co-founder Akshat Rathee, all existing investors, including Gautam Virk, another founder of the gaming company, will be infusing a capital of $ 10 million into the company. With this move, founders will increase their stake in the company, but this will reduce Nazara's shareholdings below 50 percent. Rathee added that Nodwin will not be the subsidiary of Nazara anymore; instead, it will become an associate (without Nazara selling any shares). 

Acknowledging the support of Nazara Technologies Limited (Nitish Mittersain), JetSynthesys (Rajan Navani) KRAFTON India, and KRAFTON Inc. (Sean (Hyunil) Sohn), Rathee justified the 'de-subsidarization move by saying, "As we scale into a larger, more global company with ambitions across esports, live entertainment, youth content, influencers, and gaming infrastructure, it’s time for us to stand more independently and chart our own course".

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/nazara-to-de-subsidiarise-nodwin-gaming-plans-stake-dilution-below-50-75012.html">Nazara to de-subsidiarise Nodwin Gaming, plans stake dilution below 50%</a>

The de-subsidiarisation isn’t a separation—it’s an evolution, he added, "It’s rare to see this level of maturity and support in investor-founder relationships, and we deeply value Nazara’s continued conviction in Nodwin".

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/nodwin-gaming-acquires-93-stake-in-afk-gaming-for-rs-7-6-crores-50924.html">NODWIN Gaming acquires remaining 93% stake in AFK Gaming for Rs 7.6 crores</a>

He further said that Nazara will continue to remain Nodwin's largest shareholder and hasn’t sold a single share. However, "As our capital needs grow, it is both strategic and responsible to broaden our investor base. This transition allows Nazara to focus on its core publishing and gaming investments while enabling NODWIN to bring in partners aligned with its next phase of growth," he added.

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/nclt-approves-nazaras-resolution-plan-for-smaaash-entertainment-for-rs-126-crore-69345.html">NCLT approves Nazara’s resolution plan for Smaaash Entertainment for Rs 126 crore</a>

Nazara acquired a 55 percent stake in Nodwin Gaming in 2018 and has infused capital in the Gurugram-based company in multiple tranches. In December 2024, Nazara pumped in Rs 64 crore in Nodwin for business expansion and boosting its intellectual property portfolio.

'Will infuse $10 million, de-subsidiarization is not separation from Nazara,' says Akshat Rathee

The Supreme Court has transferred to itself a clutch of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) pending in various High Courts, challenging opinion trading platforms. With this, all related matters will come under the apex court's direct consideration.

A slew of PILs have been filed at the Bombay, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh high courts, arguing that opinion trading platforms are similar to betting and gambling.

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/opinion-trading-under-fire-ed-raids-offices-of-probo-seizes-%e2%82%b9284-5-crore-worth-assets-73677.html">Opinion trading under fire: ED raids offices of Probo, seizes ₹284.5 crore worth assets</a>

Last week, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a search operation at four premises of Probo, which is an opinion trading platform. The anti-money laundering agency cracked down on the company and its promoters, Sachin Subhaschandra Gupta and Ashish Garg in connection with the company's illegal gambling/betting activities across the country.

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/sc-refuses-to-de-freeze-100-crore-account-of-opinion-trading-platform-probo-68361.html">Opinion Trading platform is betting and gambling: MC Sarangan of TNOGA at Storyboard18 DES 2025</a>

Probo had urged the Supreme Court to consolidate all the cases before the Bombay High Court in May this year.

Henceforth, the SC said it would prefer to hear all the petitioners directly and added that matters should be heard centrally to avoid conflicting arguments.

This year, Probo and another opinion trading platform SportsBaazi, shut their operation in Haryana after the state government introduced the Prevention of Public Gambling Act, 2025. The new Act aims to regulate the business of the online gaming industry. It primarily curbs gambling or betting on sports, including match or spot fixing.

Central government has also taken multiple steps to regulate the online gaming industry in the interest of users' safety. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued 1410 blocking directions related to online betting/gambling/gaming websites (including mobile applications) between 2022 and February, 2025.

Supreme Court takes over PILs against opinion trading platforms

Professional poker player P. Vikram Kumar has approached the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (Real Money Games) Regulations, 2025. Filed as a Special Leave Petition (Civil) with a prayer for interim relief, Kumar’s plea contests the June 3, 2025 judgment delivered by the Madras High Court which upheld the contentious regulations.

The petitioner, P. Vikram Kumar, a Chennai-based internationally recognized poker player with over 18 years of experience, contended that the regulations framed under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022, impose unreasonable and arbitrary restrictions on his rights to livelihood, personal liberty, and digital autonomy. Kumar, who has represented India at the World Series Poker Championship and received multiple accolades, including the ‘Player of the Year 2017’ by the Global Poker Index, derives his primary income from online and offline poker tournaments.

In the petition (a copy of which is with Storyboard18) Kumar submits that the new state regulations directly interfere with his ability to practice and earn a livelihood through online gaming. By enforcing blanket restrictions on online real money games between 12 AM and 5 AM, and mandating Aadhaar-based Know Your Customer (KYC) authentication by private gaming companies, the state has overstepped its constitutional powers.

The petition argues that the Madras High Court erred in dismissing Kumar’s writ petition by wrongly applying the doctrine of res judicata, claiming that the issues raised had already been settled in the All India Gaming Federation v. State of Tamil Nadu case. Kumar asserted that he was not a party to those proceedings, and that the legal questions raised in his case—including the personal impact and broader constitutional implications—had not been adequately addressed in previous judgments.

He argued that the requirement to verify user identity exclusively through Aadhaar for KYC purposes is unconstitutional, as it violates his right to privacy guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. Moreover, such a requirement being enforced by private entities, and not the government, further compounds the violation of individual rights.

The petition further states that the High Court assumed—without any empirical evidence—that online real money gaming is inherently detrimental to public health. This assumption, according to the petitioner, led to flawed conclusions that undermined the constitutional protections available to individuals under Articles 14 (equality before law), 19 (freedom of speech and profession), and 21 (right to life and liberty).

Kumar’s legal team stressed that the High Court failed to conduct a proportionality analysis—a requirement laid down by the Supreme Court in privacy and free speech jurisprudence—to evaluate whether the restrictions imposed served a compelling state interest and whether they were the least restrictive means to achieve the intended objective.

The petition states, "The Hon’ble High Court has seriously erred in holding that the ‘blank hours’ imposed by the Impugned Regulations is reasonable. The High Court failed to consider that the Constitution guarantees individual freedom and autonomy, including the right to determine when one should sleep, and when one may access and play an online game of skill, within the privacy of one’s own home." 

The petitioner contended that the “blank hours” ban from midnight to 5 AM was irrational and discriminatory. The restriction only applied to online real money games and not to other potentially addictive digital content or platforms, making it a case of unequal treatment without legitimate justification.

Additionally, Kumar submitted that the state’s attempt to regulate online gaming encroaches upon the exclusive legislative domain of the Centre under Entry 31 of List I (Union List) of the Constitution, which deals with “telecommunications and broadcasting, including internet services.” The central government, through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has already notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and their amendment in April 2023, specifically to regulate online gaming. The petitioner argued that the state’s regulations conflict with these central guidelines and are therefore unconstitutional.

Legal History and Regulatory Background

Tamil Nadu’s attempts to regulate online gaming have had a chequered legal history. In 2021, the Tamil Nadu Gaming and Police Laws (Amendment) Act, which banned online poker and rummy as games of chance, was struck down by the Madras High Court in the Junglee Games case. The Court ruled that these were games of skill and thus protected under the Constitution.

Following that decision, the state enacted the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022. While this law was partially upheld in the All India Gaming Federation case, the High Court struck down the Schedule that classified poker and rummy as games of chance.

Despite these legal setbacks, on February 12, 2025, the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority notified the “Real Money Games” regulations under Section 5 of the 2022 Act. These included provisions mandating Aadhaar-based verification, cautionary pop-up messages, and the 12 AM to 5 AM ban on gameplay. The new petition argues that the state is essentially attempting to achieve indirectly—through subordinate legislation—what it was prohibited from doing directly by the courts.

Madras High Court Judgment Under Challenge

The June 3, 2025 judgment of the Madras High Court dismissed Kumar’s writ petition along with other related petitions. The Court held that the State had legislative competence to frame such regulations under Entries 6 and 26 of the State List, citing concerns over public health. The judgment asserted that the restrictions were reasonable and in public interest, and that fundamental rights could be curtailed to ensure societal well-being.

However, Kumar’s petition criticizes this reasoning as legally flawed. He pointed out that the Constitution does not grant fundamental rights to “public morality” or “public interest” per se; instead, it allows only specific restrictions under Articles 19(2) to 19(6). The petition argues that invoking Article 21 of the Constitution to justify curtailing rights under Article 19 is unconstitutional unless the criteria for restriction—necessity, reasonableness, and proportionality—are demonstrably met.

The petitioner has urged the Supreme Court to set aside the June 3 judgment of the Madras High Court and declare the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (Real Money Games) Regulations, 2025, as unconstitutional, void, and ultra vires the parent Act.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/breaking-epwa-challenges-madras-hc-ruling-on-tnoga-regulations-in-sc-74745.htm">Read More: Breaking: EPWA challenges Madras HC ruling on TNOGA regulations in SC</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/meity-to-madras-hc-mandatory-aadhaar-authentication-for-rmg-requires-parliamentary-legislation-67323.htm">Read More: MeitY to Madras HC: Mandatory Aadhaar authentication for RMG requires Parliamentary legislation</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/exclusive-a-23-games-24x7-junglee-games-take-tamil-nadu-govt-to-court-57569.htm">Read More: EXCLUSIVE: A23, Games 24x7, Junglee Games take Tamil Nadu govt to court</a>

‘My right to play is not up for regulation’ — Poker pro takes Tamil Nadu to SC

The Esports Players Welfare Association (EPWA) has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Madras High Court's decision upholding the Tamil Nadu government’s online real money gaming regulations. The move comes after the High Court, in June, dismissed a series of writ petitions filed by major online gaming companies, effectively validating Tamil Nadu’s stringent stance on online gambling.

The Special Leave Petition by the esports players body was filed on Tuesday evening in the Supreme Court. 

A division bench of Justices S.M. Subramaniam and K. Rajasekar had ruled in favor of the Tamil Nadu government, dismissing petitions by leading gaming firms such as Head Digital Works (operator of A23), Games24x7, and Junglee Games. These companies had contested the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (Real Money Games) Regulations, 2025, and the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022.

The High Court maintained that the state has the constitutional authority to legislate on matters concerning public health, invoking Entry 6 and Entry 26 of List II (State List) in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. According to the bench, this authority extends to regulating online real money games as a measure to protect citizens, particularly youth, from gambling-related harm.

However, EPWA, represented by Senior Advocate Aryama Sundaram, has argued that the Tamil Nadu government has overstepped its jurisdiction. Sundaram maintained that legislative control over online gaming, which is inherently linked to digital communication and technology, falls exclusively under the purview of the central government, as provided by Entry 31 of List I (Union List). This entry grants the Centre legislative power over telecommunications, internet services, and other digital domains.

Sundaram also asserted that the Centre’s legislative authority is not diminished by its current inaction regarding the formation of Self-Regulatory Bodies (SRBs) under the amended Information Technology (IT) Rules. The absence of implementation, he argued, does not negate the Centre's exclusive right to regulate online gaming.

Addressing the broader debate on the classification of games, Sundaram challenged the perception that poker is a game of chance. He pointed to two prior rulings by the Madras High Court which recognized poker as a skill-based game — a key distinction that could exempt it from gambling bans.

Industry stakeholders had raised alarm over the far-reaching consequences. Vikram Lungi, a Professional Poker player and TN Lead, EPWA had said, “This verdict directly impacts our ability to earn and compete. Real money gaming is not just a hobby for us it’s our livelihood. There are thousands of us whose careers depend on fair and open access.”

Lungi had further said, “We hope that there’s no domino effect where other states bring in similar restrictions without understanding the realities of professional gaming. What starts in Tamil Nadu could slowly cut off players across India from opportunities we’ve worked years to build.”

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/state-has-no-jurisdiction-epwa-counters-gaming-regulation-in-madras-hc-61727.htm">Read More: 'State Has No Jurisdiction': EPWA counters Gaming Regulation in Madras HC</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/madras-hc-upholds-tamil-nadu-online-gaming-law-experts-fear-domino-effect-in-other-states-68563.htm">Read More: Madras HC upholds Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Law, experts fear domino effect in other states</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/meity-to-madras-hc-mandatory-aadhaar-authentication-for-rmg-requires-parliamentary-legislation-67323.htm">Read More: MeitY to Madras HC: Mandatory Aadhaar authentication for RMG requires Parliamentary legislation</a>

Breaking: EPWA challenges Madras HC ruling on TNOGA regulations in SC

BLAST has appointed Charlie Cowdrey as chief executive officer of JioBLAST, the recently announced joint venture between BLAST and RISE, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited.


As part of the appointment, Cowdrey will relocate from London to Mumbai this September to lead the joint venture’s Indian operations.


Cowdrey has held multiple senior leadership roles across the business ranging from chief of staff to most recently, programme director for Epic Games, where he managed one of BLAST’s most high-profile publisher relationships and competitive titles in Rocket League esports (RLCS) and Fortnite Competitive (FNCS), highlighted the company in its statement.


Robbie Douek, CEO, BLAST, said, “Charlie has been a key figure behind BLAST’s growth and publisher operations over the past few years. He is a trusted leader who understands our culture, our partners and our ambitions. India represents an enormous opportunity for BLAST, and we believe Charlie is the perfect person to take this vision forward. We’re proud to have someone of his calibre opening this important new chapter for us alongside our partners at Reliance and RISE.”


Cowdrey said, “I’m incredibly honoured and excited to take this role in spearheading JioBLAST. We will be focussed on bringing together Jio’s unrivalled reach, RISE’s commercial prowess and BLAST’s esports expertise and global publisher relationships. Bringing this all together, there is no doubt that JioBLAST will supercharge the Indian esports industry. India is one of the most vibrant and promising gaming markets in the world, and working alongside Jio offers us a unique opportunity to build something extraordinary. We can’t wait to get started and bring BLAST’s unique approach to creating next level entertainment to India.”


With India now home to over 600 million gamers, accounting for 18 percent of the global gaming audience, JioBLAST will focus on creating new esports IP, establishing a state-of-the-art production studio, and delivering tournament experiences built for India's dynamic gaming community.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/sports-at-the-heart-of-indias-digital-entertainment-revolution-73830.htm">Sports at the heart of India's digital entertainment revolution</a>

Charlie Cowdrey named CEO of JioBLAST

The online Real Money Gaming companies on Tuesday mounted a strong legal challenge in the Supreme Court against the imposition of 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on online money gaming, terming the government’s taxation approach as fundamentally flawed and contrary to the legal framework.

Represented by senior advocate V. Sridharan, the petitioners argued that GST provisions prior to October 2023 were wholly inadequate to impose 28 percent tax on online gaming operators in the manner attempted by the authorities. The government’s reliance on Rule 31A of the GST Rules, introduced in 2018, was challenged on grounds that the rule lacked statutory authority under the Central GST Act.

Rule 31A Under Fire

According to the submissions by V Sridharan, Rule 31A, which prescribed the valuation method for betting and gambling, did not comply with the mandatory two-step process under Section 15(5) of the CGST Act. Specifically, the rule was issued without first notifying actionable claims as taxable supplies, rendering it ineffective and invalid.

Further, the rule was introduced using general rule-making powers (Section 164) instead of the specific provision meant for valuation (Section 15(5)), undermining its legal basis.

Actionable Claims Not Classifiable as Goods Before October 2023

The petition contends that attempts to tax actionable claims like betting and gambling as “goods” by amending the Goods Rate Notification were also flawed. Until October 1, 2023, there was no entry for actionable claims in the Customs Tariff Schedule, making their classification as goods unsustainable under GST.

Sridharan pointed out that gambling and online gaming were consistently treated as “services” under various GST notifications and the Integrated GST Act, and this abrupt reclassification lacked legislative coherence.

Major Legal Overhaul from October 2023

The petition acknowledges that from October 1, 2023, the government made sweeping changes to the GST and Customs frameworks. These included:

Creation of a new tariff heading (CTH 9807) for actionable claims.

Amending the definition of “supplier” to deem gaming platforms as suppliers of actionable claims.

Excluding gaming from the services category.

However, the petition argues that these changes only validate the earlier deficiencies. “Without such machinery in place earlier, any demand under the old regime is legally untenable,” said Sridharan in court.

Platform Fees vs. Prize Pool Contributions

A key plank of the petitioners' argument is the distinction between platform fees — on which GST is already paid — and prize pool contributions made by players, which are held in trust and returned to winners. The petition claims that these deposits do not constitute consideration and thus cannot be taxed under GST.

"In the case of online games, the online games are played between the players with the online gaming operator merely providing platform services. The Operator, as the supplier of platform services, has discharged GST during the relevant period at the specified rate. However, the Operator, does not make any other supplies and only
holds the Prize Pool as a deposit to be settled in favour of the winner, which is decided between the players. Thus, the Operator cannot be made liable for supplies made inter-se between the players." 

The legal team relied on Indian and international jurisprudence, including decisions from the European Court of Justice, to assert that such deposits held for prize distribution are not revenue for the platform and hence cannot attract GST.

Transactions Between Players Not Taxable

The petition further argues that gaming transactions between players on a platform cannot be treated as taxable supplies. Since the platform only facilitates gameplay and does not engage in betting or gaming itself, it cannot be held liable for GST on such inter-player transactions.

The case hinges on the absence of clear taxing provisions and the necessary machinery to enforce tax collection before the October 2023 overhaul. The petition concludes that attempts to retroactively impose GST without statutory backing violate fundamental tax principles and must be struck down as ultra vires.

"It is submitted that in the absence of any chapter in the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 covering ‘actionable claims’ as goods, the amendment to the Goods Rate Notification (supra) is ineffective and no GST is leviable on actionable claims." 

The Supreme Court has scheduled July 25, 2025, as the date for the final hearing in a case involving show-cause notices issued to several online gaming firms. The case, with an estimated financial impact of ₹2.5 lakh crore, is one of the biggest tax battles in India’s history.

Division bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan on Tuesday were shocked to see the list of petitioners appearing on behalf of casinos, lotteries and real money gaming companies to submit their arguments and remarked, "This is a long list of petitioners, this will be a never ending saga." Upon which Justice Pardiwala directed that the court will hear all petitioners until July 17 and will hear rejoinders by the government from July 18.

Pardiwala said, "We will reserve the judgement on July 25 and it will be the last day of hearing the gaming batch matters."

The matter will be heard again on Wednesday afternoon.

Player transactions not operator’s tax burden, gaming firms argue in Supreme Court

In a high-stakes legal showdown that could redefine India’s online real money gaming landscape, the Supreme Court has scheduled July 25, 2025, as the date for the final hearing in a case involving show-cause notices issued to several online gaming firms. The case, with an estimated financial impact of ₹2.5 lakh crore, is one of the biggest tax battles in India’s history.

Gaming companies are challenging the government’s interpretation of Rule 31A of the CGST Rules, which states that GST at 28% should be levied on the face value of each bet. The industry argues that this rule applies only to gambling and betting, not to games of skill like rummy, poker, or fantasy sports.

The outcome of this case holds enormous implications for the real money gaming (RMG) industry. The controversial 28% GST has already dealt a severe blow to the sector. A ruling in favor of the gaming firms could reinforce the legal distinction between games of skill and gambling, potentially shaping future regulation, boosting investor confidence, and ensuring the long-term growth of the industry.

Division bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan on Tuesday were shocked to see the list of petitioners appearing on behalf of casinos, lotteries and real money gaming companies to submit their arguments and remarked, "This is a long list of petitioners, this will be a never ending saga." Upon which Justice Pardiwala directed that the court will hear all petitioners until July 17 and will hear rejoinders by the government from July 18. 

Pardiwala said, "We will reserve the judgement on July 25 and it will be the last day of hearing the gaming batch matters." 

Before the summer break, 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. 

Senior Counsel Harish Salve appearing on behalf of real money gaming companies submitted arguments whether the participation fees in online games—ranging from card games like rummy to fantasy sports—constitute "actionable claims" that can be classified as "goods" under the GST regime, and thus be taxed accordingly.

Salve contended that the current GST notifications and show cause notices (SCNs) fundamentally mischaracterize the nature of online gaming. He argued that online gaming platforms act merely as facilitators, not as suppliers of any transferable rights or claims. “There is no ‘actionable claim’ that arises from participating in a game of skill,” Salve asserted, referencing the 2006 Supreme Court ruling in Sunrise Associates, which defined actionable claims in the context of lotteries.

The legal challenge also points to constitutional concerns. Salve argued that the attempt to tax such games as "betting and gambling" contravenes the constitutional scheme, especially after the 101st Constitutional Amendment, which removed state authority to tax betting and gambling under Entry 62 of the State List.

Salve submitted that "Rule 31A is plainly a colourable exercise of legislative power in that it seeks to alter the nature of the tax to a tax on betting and gambling."

The Supreme Court’s ruling in this case is expected to set a significant precedent in the rapidly growing online gaming sector, which has seen exponential growth in users and revenues. The final decision could reshape how digital entertainment platforms are taxed in India, with billions of rupees at stake.

Breaking: SC to seal fate of online gaming industry on July 25, will reserve judgement

The classic card game that has sparked countless family feuds and game night rivalries just got a major upgrade.

UNO, the wildly popular card game by Mattel, has found a permanent, real-world playground at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas with the launch of the world's first UNO Social Club, as per media reports.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/global-ad-spend-on-gaming-lags-behind-despite-3-4-billion-players-dentsu-73786.htm">Global ad spend on gaming lags behind despite 3.4 billion players: Dentsu</a>

This one-of-a-kind venue isn't just about dealing cards - it's a bold leap into themed entertainment. Designed to blend nostalgic gameplay with immersive social experiences, the UNO Social Club features customized game tables, UNO-themed bowling lanes, exclusive card variants, and even a luxury suite experience for die-hard fans.

"We created UNO Social Clubs to reimagine what game night can be, bringing people together for real-world fun, connection, and a bit of friendly competition," said Ray Adler, Vice President and Global Head of Games at Mattel, in a statement to Esports.

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The Social Club offers more than just the traditional draw-four drams. Among its most buzzworthy features are several exclusive game variants created for the venue:

- UNO Golf: A twist where players aim for for the lowest score by discarding high-value cards displayed face-up. The core mechanics of matching colours and numbers remain.

- UNO Teams: A cooperative version where pairs must work in sync to empty both hands - a test of coordination and strategy.

- UNO Show'em No Mercy: A high-intensity version with additional penalties, extra action cards, and a win condition that allows players to either their finish or knock out opponents.

To celebrate the launch, the Palms hosted a contest offering one lucky winner a three-day stay in the fully decked out UNO Social Club suite. Now open to the public, the suite is available for bookings, letting guests live out their game night dreams in ultimate Vegas style.

According to reports, Mattel plans to expand the UNO Social Club concept across major US cities, with pop-ups at bars and entertainment venues. These events will feature signature drinks themed after UNO's vibrant colour palette, decked-out décor, and live tournaments that cater to both casual gamers and hardcore fans. 

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UNO goes all in: Mattel launches first-ever UNO Social Club in Las Vegas

Probo in response to enforcement action by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has asserted that it is fully cooperating with authorities while reaffirming its commitment to legal compliance and responsible innovation. 

In an official statement, Probo said, “We remain confident that our commitment to compliance and innovation will help us emerge stronger through this process. We have complete faith in India's robust regulatory framework and its vision for responsible tech innovation.”

The ED conducted search operations at four of the company’s premises in Haryana on July 8 and 9, targeting alleged illegal gambling activity under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

Describing itself as “India’s leading information marketplace,” Probo positions its platform as a skill-based opinion-trading product aimed at democratizing access to wealth creation for over 4.2 crore users. The company emphasized that user trust and safety remain paramount and that it follows all applicable laws and regulations.

"Probo is an innovative skill-based platform. It provides India’s leading information marketplace that democratises the trading. With over 4.2 crore users, Probo has ensured better access to wealth creation that traditional financial markets have not been able to provide to the general public," Probo spokesperson stated.

Based on multiple FIRs registered across Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, officials claim that Probo’s app and website functioned more like a gambling platform than a skill-based exchange. The agency also flagged content on the platform related to opinion-based betting on sensitive topics such as election results, along with a lack of safeguards to prevent minors from accessing the service.

Financial scrutiny has also intensified, with the ED reporting that Probo raised Rs 134.84 crore through foreign investments routed via Mauritius and the Cayman Islands. Officials are investigating whether these transactions violate foreign direct investment (FDI) norms and point toward potential round-tripping.

In its enforcement action, the ED seized digital evidence and froze assets worth Rs 284.5 crore, including fixed deposits, shares, and three bank lockers.

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