The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the government’s retrospective imposition of 28% Goods and Service Tax (GST) on online gaming companies, backing its tax demands on past transactions in a ruling that could have major financial implications for the sector.The case arose from GST notices issued to real-money gaming companies who challenged whether 28% GST could be levied on the full face value of bets placed through their platforms.&nbsp;A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan held that such a GST levy was constitutionally valid and could not be said to violate the Constitutional scheme governing GST. The levy is supported by statutory authority under the GST Act, the court held.&nbsp;It also clarified that online gaming platforms cannot be treated merely as intermediaries or facilitators, holding instead that they supply “actionable claims” that are taxable under the GST framework.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/undeclared-chemical-weapons-from-former-president-assad-era-found-in-syria-1779829277892">Undeclared chemical weapons from former president Assad-era found in Syria</a>&nbsp;It proceeded to uphold CGST rules that empowered the levy of GST on the full value of bets placed through online gaming platforms as well as casinos.&nbsp;On the question of whether the online games in question could be termed as a betting activity or were skill-based games, the top court held that even skill-based games acquire the character of betting and gambling for GST once money is staked on uncertain outcomes.&nbsp;The apex court also set aside a Karnataka High Court judgment in favour of online gaming platform, Gameskraft. It restored the September 2022 show-cause notice issued to Gameskraft, which had demanded around ₹21,000 crore in GST.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-krishan-nagar-or-ram-gali-in-lahore-pak-succumbs-to-extremists-pressure-makes-u-turn-on-renaming-plan-1779817989012">No Krishan Nagar or Ram Gali in Lahore: Pak succumbs to extremists’ pressure, makes U-turn on renaming plan</a>&nbsp;The Court, however, clarified that the final decision in the matter is left to the concerned GST authorities.The gaming industry had pleaded that GST could only be levied on gross gaming revenue, which is the amount retained by platforms after deducting winnings. The companies argued that taxing the entire stake or deposit amount was disproportionate and commercially unviable.&nbsp;The controversy intensified after the GST Council decided in 2023 to impose 28% GST on the full face value of online gaming, casinos and horse racing. Gaming companies, however, argued that the levy could not be applied retrospectively for the period before October 1, 2023.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-5-fish-rice-meals-no-liquor-vends-near-schools-and-temples-among-cm-suvendu-s-new-initiatives-in-bengal-1779811152626">Rs 5 fish-rice meals, no liquor vends near schools and temples among CM Suvendu’s new initiatives in Bengal</a>&nbsp;The demands against the industry initially stood at around ₹1.12 lakh crore. With interest and penalties, the potential exposure was estimated to be much higher. Some later reports placed the total exposure at around ₹2.5 lakh crore.&nbsp;Gameskraft had challenged the notice before the Karnataka High Court, which ruled in its favour, holding that rummy is a game of skill and that the company was not supplying actionable claims in the manner alleged by the tax department.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-sets-up-high-level-committee-to-examine-unnatural-demographic-changes-in-country-1779803278173">Govt sets up high-level committee to examine ‘unnatural’ demographic changes in country</a>&nbsp;The GST department appealed to the Supreme Court. In September 2023, the Supreme Court stayed the Karnataka High Court ruling.&nbsp;The gaming companies were represented by Senior Advocates Harish Salve, AM Singhvi, Mukul Rohatgi, Neeraj Kishan Kaul, Arvind Datar, Dhruv Mehta, Balbir Singh, Sajan Poovayya, V Sridharan, Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Vikram Nankani, Tarun Gulati, Abhishek Malhotra, Sanjay Jhanwar, Jay Savla and Vivek Reddy.

On the question of whether the online games in question could be termed as a betting activity or were skill-based games, the top court held that even skill-based games acquire the character of betting and gambling for GST once money is staked on uncertain outcomes.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the government’s retrospective imposition of 28% Goods and Service Tax (GST) on online gaming companies, backing its tax demands on past transactions in a ruling that could have major financial implications for the sector. The case arose from GST notices issued to real-money gaming companies who challenged whether 28% GST could be levied on the full face value of bets placed through their platforms. A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan held that such a GST levy was constitutionally valid and could not be said to violate the Constitutional scheme governing GST. The levy is supported by statutory authority under the GST Act, the court held. It also clarified that online gaming platforms cannot be treated merely as intermediaries or facilitators, holding instead that they supply “actionable claims” that are taxable under the GST framework. Also Read: Undeclared chemical weapons from former president Assad-era found in Syria It proceeded to uphold CGST rules that empowered the levy of GST on the full value of bets placed through online gaming platforms as well as casinos. On the question of whether the online games in question could be termed as a betting activity or were skill-based games, the top court held that even skill-based games acquire the character of betting and gambling for GST once money is staked on uncertain outcomes. The apex court also set aside a Karnataka High Court judgment in favour of online gaming platform, Gameskraft. It restored the September 2022 show-cause notice issued to Gameskraft, which had demanded around ₹21,000 crore in GST. Also Read: No Krishan Nagar or Ram Gali in Lahore: Pak succumbs to extremists’ pressure, makes U-turn on renaming plan The Court, however, clarified that the final decision in the matter is left to the concerned GST authorities. The gaming industry had pleaded that GST could only be levied on gross gaming revenue, which is the amount retained by platforms after deducting winnings. The companies argued that taxing the entire stake or deposit amount was disproportionate and commercially unviable. The controversy intensified after the GST Council decided in 2023 to impose 28% GST on the full face value of online gaming, casinos and horse racing. Gaming companies, however, argued that the levy could not be applied retrospectively for the period before October 1, 2023. Also Read: Rs 5 fish-rice meals, no liquor vends near schools and temples among CM Suvendu’s new initiatives in Bengal The demands against the industry initially stood at around ₹1.12 lakh crore. With interest and penalties, the potential exposure was estimated to be much higher. Some later reports placed the total exposure at around ₹2.5 lakh crore. Gameskraft had challenged the notice before the Karnataka High Court, which ruled in its favour, holding that rummy is a game of skill and that the company was not supplying actionable claims in the manner alleged by the tax department. Also Read: Govt sets up high-level committee to examine ‘unnatural’ demographic changes in country The GST department appealed to the Supreme Court. In September 2023, the Supreme Court stayed the Karnataka High Court ruling. The gaming companies were represented by Senior Advocates Harish Salve, AM Singhvi, Mukul Rohatgi, Neeraj Kishan Kaul, Arvind Datar, Dhruv Mehta, Balbir Singh, Sajan Poovayya, V Sridharan, Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Vikram Nankani, Tarun Gulati, Abhishek Malhotra, Sanjay Jhanwar, Jay Savla and Vivek Reddy.

On the question of whether the online games in question could be termed as a betting activity or were skill-based games, the top court held that even skill-based games acquire the character of betting and gambling for GST once money is staked on uncertain outcomes.

‘Skill, chance irrelevant if money staked’: SC upholds retrospective 28% GST levy on online gaming companies

A teenage boy in India's Telangana committed suicide after he lost Rs 1 lakh through a betting app. Eighteen-year-old Vikram a resident of the Kandukur area in the Sangareddy district died by consuming insecticide as reported by various media organisations. Vikram was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by his parents but he died while being administered treatment. A case has been registered in this regard at the local police station.<h2>Online betting apps linked to suicides</h2>This comes immediately after Paladugu Sai, a taxi driver in Hyderabad ended his life amid mounting debt on online betting apps, reported NDTV.&nbsp;Twenty-four-year-old Sai, a native of the Yadadri-Bhuvanagari district, had been addicted to online betting for the last two years. he used to borrow money from friends and also took bank loans to continue betting, said police, reported the media house.&nbsp;Sai had a debt of Rs 15 lakh when he committed suicide, said the police.&nbsp;In another such case a 32-year-old civil contractor from Madhya Pradesh allegedly died by suicide in his house in Bhopal last week after losing nearly Rs 30 lakh due to his addiction to online gaming.&nbsp;A note recovered from his house said that he borrowed money from people in order to play an online game called Aviator.&nbsp;Earlier in August, a 38-year-old man from Manesar in Haryana’s Gurugram district also ended his life due to the Rs 5 lakh loan he had on him for gambling on online apps. &nbsp;

Vikram was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by his parents but he died while being administered treatment.

A teenage boy in India's Telangana committed suicide after he lost Rs 1 lakh through a betting app. Eighteen-year-old Vikram a resident of the Kandukur area in the Sangareddy district died by consuming insecticide as reported by various media organisations. Vikram was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by his parents but he died while being administered treatment. A case has been registered in this regard at the local police station. Online betting apps linked to suicides This comes immediately after Paladugu Sai, a taxi driver in Hyderabad ended his life amid mounting debt on online betting apps, reported NDTV. Twenty-four-year-old Sai, a native of the Yadadri-Bhuvanagari district, had been addicted to online betting for the last two years. he used to borrow money from friends and also took bank loans to continue betting, said police, reported the media house. Sai had a debt of Rs 15 lakh when he committed suicide, said the police. In another such case a 32-year-old civil contractor from Madhya Pradesh allegedly died by suicide in his house in Bhopal last week after losing nearly Rs 30 lakh due to his addiction to online gaming. A note recovered from his house said that he borrowed money from people in order to play an online game called Aviator. Earlier in August, a 38-year-old man from Manesar in Haryana’s Gurugram district also ended his life due to the Rs 5 lakh loan he had on him for gambling on online apps.

Vikram was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by his parents but he died while being administered treatment.

Addiction to online betting apps claims another life; Telangana teen commits suicide over debt

The social media network founded by US President Donald Trump, Truth Social, announced Tuesday that it will allow users to make bets on the outcome of real-world events using the platform.Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) is capitalising on a form of betting that has surged in popularity, with phone-based apps that allow users to wager on topics ranging from politics and the economy, to sports and entertainment.Truth Social will add betting through a partnership with Crypto.com, allowing users to bet on "elections, interest rates and inflation rate changes, commodity prices on gold and crude oil," or events from "all major sports leagues," according to a statement.Federal authorities don't consider so-called "prediction markets" to be gambling, per se, and as such they are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and not by state gambling authorities across the US, as lotteries and casinos typically are.To secure a wager, the user purchases a "contract" for a financial product that yields a profit if the event occurs -- whether it's the election of a candidate or the victory of a sports team.The new sector is considered so promising that earlier this month the New York Stock Exchange's operator, Intercontinental Exchange, announced a $2 billion investment in one of the most prominent platforms, Polymarket.Prediction apps are particularly popular among young adults, which has raised concerns about the risks of addiction and financial losses.TMTG has launched several projects, including cryptocurrency-related financial products and a video streaming platform, but generated only $1.7 million in revenue in the first half of 2025.At the same time, it reported a net loss of $51.7 million, according to documents published by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Truth Social will add betting through a partnership with Crypto.com, allowing users to bet on "elections, interest rates and inflation rate changes, commodity prices on gold and crude oil," or events from "all major sports leagues," according to a statement.

The social media network founded by US President Donald Trump, Truth Social, announced Tuesday that it will allow users to make bets on the outcome of real-world events using the platform. Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) is capitalising on a form of betting that has surged in popularity, with phone-based apps that allow users to wager on topics ranging from politics and the economy, to sports and entertainment. Truth Social will add betting through a partnership with Crypto.com, allowing users to bet on "elections, interest rates and inflation rate changes, commodity prices on gold and crude oil," or events from "all major sports leagues," according to a statement. Federal authorities don't consider so-called "prediction markets" to be gambling, per se, and as such they are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and not by state gambling authorities across the US, as lotteries and casinos typically are. To secure a wager, the user purchases a "contract" for a financial product that yields a profit if the event occurs -- whether it's the election of a candidate or the victory of a sports team. The new sector is considered so promising that earlier this month the New York Stock Exchange's operator, Intercontinental Exchange, announced a $2 billion investment in one of the most prominent platforms, Polymarket. Prediction apps are particularly popular among young adults, which has raised concerns about the risks of addiction and financial losses. TMTG has launched several projects, including cryptocurrency-related financial products and a video streaming platform, but generated only $1.7 million in revenue in the first half of 2025. At the same time, it reported a net loss of $51.7 million, according to documents published by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Truth Social will add betting through a partnership with Crypto.com, allowing users to bet on "elections, interest rates and inflation rate changes, commodity prices on gold and crude oil," or events from "all major sports leagues," according to a statement.

Trump's Truth Social platform to allow betting on real-world events

On Gravitas plus this week, we uncover the dark side of online gambling. From lives lost to mounting debts and shattered families, we uncover the real stories of addiction, mental trauma and legal chaos.

India’s online gambling crisis: Borrowed money, mounting losses

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Karnataka Congress MLA KC Veerendra from Gangtok, Sikkim, on Saturday after conducting extensive searches across 31 locations in India for two days in connection with its ongoing probe into the alleged involvement of the Karnataka legislator and his associates in illegal online and offline betting. The raids were part of a major crackdown on illegal betting operations following the government’s bill to ban online gaming.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congress MLA KC Veerendra caught red-handed by ED in mega betting scam. What ED seized from him: - ₹12 Cr cash (incl. ₹1 Cr foreign currency) - Gold worth ₹6 Cr + 10 kg silver - Memberships of multiple international casinos - Luxury cars with VIP plates - Property papers,… <a href="https://t.co/XRZZYR8e8O">pic.twitter.com/XRZZYR8e8O</a>&mdash; Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (@SVishnuReddy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SVishnuReddy/status/1959202228771684626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>ED recovers foreign currency, 10 kg silver articles, four high-end vehicles</h2>&nbsp;During the searches, the ED seized approximately Rs 12 crore in cash, including Rs 1 crore in foreign currency, gold jewellery worth around Rs 6 crore, 10 kg of silver articles, and four high-end vehicles. The agency also froze 17 bank accounts and two bank lockers, while several property documents were recovered from the premises of Veerendra’s brother, KC Nagaraj, and his son, Pruthvi N Raj.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-overlooking-each-other-s-history-s-jaishankar-highlights-pakistan-us-relations-hinting-osama-bin-laden-was-found-in-abbottabad-1755944403483">'Overlooking each other’s history': S Jaishankar highlights Pak-US relations, hinting Osama bin Laden was found in Abbottabad</a>&nbsp;The agency revealed that the MLA from Chitradurga was running multiple betting platforms under the names King567 and Raja567.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-murmu-gives-nod-to-gaming-ban-1755930552949/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-murmu-gives-nod-to-gaming-ban-1755930552949/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Congress MLA’s brother operating three firms in Dubai&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The Congress MLA’s brother, KC Thippeswamy, was found to be operating three Dubai-based firms—Diamond Softech, TRS Technologies, and Prime9 Technologies—allegedly linked to call centre and gaming operations connected to the betting network.&nbsp;The searches were spread across Gangtok, Chitradurga district, Bengaluru, Hubli, Jodhpur, Mumbai, and five prominent casinos—Puppy’s Casino Gold, Ocean Rivers Casino, Puppy’s Casino Pride, Ocean 7 Casino, and Big Daddy Casino—in Goa.The investigation revealed that Veerendra and his associates had recently travelled to Gangtok via Bagdogra with the aim of leasing land for a casino. ED officials said that documents and digital evidence indicate “complex layering” of funds to conceal illicit proceeds.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/study-of-over-1-000-rattlesnakes-throws-shocking-results-as-human-linked-fears-are-confirmed-1755942721313">Study of over 1,000 rattlesnakes throws shocking results as human-linked fears are confirmed</a><h2>MLA arrested from Gangtok, Sikkim</h2>&nbsp;After recovering incriminating material, the ED arrested Veerendra in Gangtok on Saturday, August 23. He was produced before a judicial magistrate in Sikkim, where a transit remand was obtained to present him before the jurisdictional court in Bengaluru.“The searches have revealed that the accused (KC Veerendra) is running several online betting sites, like King567, Raja567, Puppy’s003, and Rathna Gaming. Further, the brother of the accused, KC Thippeswamy, is operating three business entities from Dubai: Diamond Softech, TRS Technologies, Prime9Technologies,” said a source seeking anonymity.

Karnataka Congress MLA KC Veerendra’s brother K C Thippeswamy and Pruthvi N Raj were allegedly handling operations of online gaming from Dubai. ED said that the Incriminating material seized during searches indicate “complex layering of cash and other funds”. 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Karnataka Congress MLA KC Veerendra from Gangtok, Sikkim, on Saturday after conducting extensive searches across 31 locations in India for two days in connection with its ongoing probe into the alleged involvement of the Karnataka legislator and his associates in illegal online and offline betting. The raids were part of a major crackdown on illegal betting operations following the government’s bill to ban online gaming.

Karnataka Congress MLA KC Veerendra’s brother, KC Thippeswamy, and Pruthvi N Raj were allegedly handling operations of online gaming from Dubai. ED said that the incriminating material seized during searches indicates “complex layering of cash and other funds”.&nbsp;

Illegal betting: ED arrests Karnataka Congress MLA KC Veerendra, seizes Rs 12 crore cash, gold worth Rs 6 crore

The Indian government is reportedly ready to ban online games that are played with money. The cabinet, chaired by the Indian Prime Minitser Narendra Modi, cleared the bill on Tuesday (August 19) and 1prohibits all online money gaming and even barred their advertisemenrt, news agency PTI. If not followed, the bill prescribes jail or a fine, or both. As per Reuters, the bill is 13 pages long and has not been made public yet. The bill describes an online money game as one played by a person who deposits some amount in lieu of getting more in return.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brahmaputra-dam-terrorism-and-taiwan-here-s-what-chinese-fm-wang-yi-s-discussed-during-his-visit-to-india-5-points-pm-narendra-modi-jaishankar-1755616731606"> Brahmaputra dam, terrorism and Taiwan: Here's what Chinese FM Wang Yi discussed during his visit to India | 5 points</a>&nbsp;The Indian online gambling market was earlier estimated to reach $3.6 billion by 2029.The bill is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (August 20). The online gaming market has been under scrutiny since the government imposed a 28% GST on such platforms in October 2023.&nbsp;As per the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in Dece,ber 2023, the Indian govermenet made unauthorised betting a criminal offence, punishable with up to seven years in jail and heavy fines."Betting and gambling” fall under the State List of the Constitution. But the Indian government has already blocked more than 1,400 websites and apps involved in online betting or gambling between 2022 and February 2025. Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/factcheck-social-media-post-seeking-donation-to-save-indian-nurse-nimisha-priya-goes-viral-here-s-the-truth-1755611407821">FACTCHECK | Social media post seeking donation to save Indian nurse Nimisha Priya goes viral - Here's the truth</a>&nbsp;The cabinet ministries of the country have also issued multiple advisories for the parents on the growing risk among children of addiction to such games. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has also directed broadcasters to carry disclaimers on the financial risks involved in online gaming.

The Narendra Modi led central government of India is reportedly all set to ban online gambling by introducing a bill in the parliament on August 20. What is inside the bill? Know here. 

The Indian government is reportedly ready to ban online games that are played with money. The cabinet, chaired by the Indian Prime Minitser Narendra Modi, cleared the bill on Tuesday (August 19) and 1prohibits all online money gaming and even barred their advertisemenrt, news agency PTI. If not followed, the bill prescribes jail or a fine, or both. As per Reuters, the bill is 13 pages long and has not been made public yet. The bill describes an online money game as one played by a person who deposits some amount in lieu of getting more in return. Also read: Brahmaputra dam, terrorism and Taiwan: Here's what Chinese FM Wang Yi discussed during his visit to India | 5 points The Indian online gambling market was earlier estimated to reach $3.6 billion by 2029. The bill is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (August 20). The online gaming market has been under scrutiny since the government imposed a 28% GST on such platforms in October 2023. As per the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in Dece,ber 2023, the Indian govermenet made unauthorised betting a criminal offence, punishable with up to seven years in jail and heavy fines. "Betting and gambling” fall under the State List of the Constitution. But the Indian government has already blocked more than 1,400 websites and apps involved in online betting or gambling between 2022 and February 2025. Also read: FACTCHECK | Social media post seeking donation to save Indian nurse Nimisha Priya goes viral - Here's the truth The cabinet ministries of the country have also issued multiple advisories for the parents on the growing risk among children of addiction to such games. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has also directed broadcasters to carry disclaimers on the financial risks involved in online gaming.

The Narendra Modi led central government of India is reportedly all set to ban online gambling by introducing a bill in the parliament on August 20. What is inside the bill? Know here.&nbsp;

Online betting games banned in India? Jail, fine or both: Here’s what we know

The Indian government has tweaked the rules for online gaming by prohibiting games that involve betting and wagering.

The prohibition was listed on Thursday by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) which released a framework of multiple self-regulatory organisations (SROs).

These SROs will determine whether internet games are legal based on whether they allow wagering.

The new guidelines define online game&nbsp;as “that is offered on the internet and is accessible to a user through a computer resource or an intermediary.”

These SROs are part of the IT Rules, 2023, passed by the ministry and pave&nbsp;the way for the establishment of a self-regulatory body for the registration and regulation of online gaming platforms as "intermediary" which is defined as one that "offers one or more than one online game".

New gaming guidelines

Minister of State for Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, while speaking to media on Thursday differentiated between “online game” and “online real money game”, claiming that the latter has been banned.

“We see the Indian online gaming ecosystem to expand and grow into a multi-billion dollar industry and be an important catalyst to India’s one trillion-dollar digital economy goal by 2025-26, with very clear restrictions on online wagering and betting,” the minister said at a press conference.

“We’re dealing with a framework that allows an SRO, and there will be multiple SROs, to determine whether or not all online gaming is permissible,” Chandrasekhar added.

According to the guidelines, the government will designate various SROs comprising industry representatives, educators, and other professionals such as child experts, psychology experts, and so on, according to the final guidelines.

The government is going to notify three SROs, but more might be added later, he said.

The online gaming industry has been flourishing in India for the past four to five years or so, and accounts for $1.8 billion of the gaming market, mostly fuelled by mobile games.

A report by the Boston Consulting Group and Sequoia on India's mobile gaming sector shows that more than 300 million Indians play mobile games, and the gaming sector as a whole has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 38 per cent in 2019-2020 and 37 per cent in the previous fiscal year.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The Indian government has tweaked the rules for online gaming by prohibiting games that involve betting and wagering. The prohibition was listed on Thursday by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) which released a framework of multiple self-regulatory organisations (SROs).

The Indian government has tweaked the rules for online gaming by prohibiting games that involve betting and wagering. The prohibition was listed on Thursday by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) which released a framework of multiple self-regulatory organisations (SROs). These SROs will determine whether internet games are legal based on whether they allow wagering. The new guidelines define online game as “that is offered on the internet and is accessible to a user through a computer resource or an intermediary.” These SROs are part of the IT Rules, 2023, passed by the ministry and pave the way for the establishment of a self-regulatory body for the registration and regulation of online gaming platforms as "intermediary" which is defined as one that "offers one or more than one online game". New gaming guidelines Minister of State for Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, while speaking to media on Thursday differentiated between “online game” and “online real money game”, claiming that the latter has been banned. “We see the Indian online gaming ecosystem to expand and grow into a multi-billion dollar industry and be an important catalyst to India’s one trillion-dollar digital economy goal by 2025-26, with very clear restrictions on online wagering and betting,” the minister said at a press conference. “We’re dealing with a framework that allows an SRO, and there will be multiple SROs, to determine whether or not all online gaming is permissible,” Chandrasekhar added. According to the guidelines, the government will designate various SROs comprising industry representatives, educators, and other professionals such as child experts, psychology experts, and so on, according to the final guidelines. The government is going to notify three SROs, but more might be added later, he said. The online gaming industry has been flourishing in India for the past four to five years or so, and accounts for $1.8 billion of the gaming market, mostly fuelled by mobile games. A report by the Boston Consulting Group and Sequoia on India's mobile gaming sector shows that more than 300 million Indians play mobile games, and the gaming sector as a whole has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 38 per cent in 2019-2020 and 37 per cent in the previous fiscal year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian govt tightens screws on online gaming, bans betting and wagering

India&nbsp;asked Alphabet-owned Google&nbsp;to stop displaying surrogate ads of overseas betting companies, a report by Mint newspaper claimed on Wednesday. The report cited a person aware of the development in the ministry of information and broadcasting, currently headed by Union Minister Anurag Thakur.&nbsp;The letter was reportedly sent last week to Alphabet Inc's Google India.&nbsp;

It asked the company to immediately drop all advertising, direct or surrogate, from betting platforms such as&nbsp;Fairplay, PariMatch, Betway in search results and YouTube, the report said.

ALSO READ -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/offshore-betting-sites-are-ending-up-with-fatter-pockets-amid-sparse-regulations-in-india-528819">Offshore betting sites are ending up with fatter pockets amid sparse regulations in India</a>

On December 4, reports claimed that Prime Minister's Office (PMO) overruled a proposal to only regulate games of skill and leave out games of chance. India is expected to bring regulation of online gaming to all real-money games in the immediate future.&nbsp;

“After our last advisory on 3rd October, TV channels and OTT (Over-the-top) players stopped showing surrogate ads of online betting firms, but it was brought to our notice that many such ads are running on YouTube and Google. We have asked Google to stop this immediately," a senior ministry official&nbsp;was quoted as saying by Livemint.&nbsp;

WATCH -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-india-regulate-online-gaming-433968">Gravitas: Will India regulate online gaming?</a>

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In September, a government panel stated in a draft report that India should create a regulatory body to classify online games as based on skill or chance, introduce rules to block prohibited formats and take a stricter stance on gambling websites.

India is concerned that many citizens are getting addicted to or losing money to online betting companies that are operating on the technicality of not having servers or a physical presence in India, an official told Livemint.&nbsp;

Online betting is banned in many Indian states.

According to estimates by the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) published in the report, overall,&nbsp;₹5,000 crore is being deposited in the accounts of multiple agents of betting&nbsp; companies in India every month. But there is no clarity on where this money is going or how it’s being used, the lobby group claims.

(With inputs from agencies)

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India asked Alphabet-owned Google to stop displaying surrogate ads of overseas betting companies, a report by Mint newspaper claimed on Wednesday. The report cited a person aware of the development in the ministry of information and broadcasting, currently headed by Union Minister Anurag Thakur.

India asked Alphabet-owned Google to stop displaying surrogate ads of overseas betting companies, a report by Mint newspaper claimed on Wednesday. The report cited a person aware of the development in the ministry of information and broadcasting, currently headed by Union Minister Anurag Thakur. The letter was reportedly sent last week to Alphabet Inc's Google India. It asked the company to immediately drop all advertising, direct or surrogate, from betting platforms such as Fairplay, PariMatch, Betway in search results and YouTube, the report said. ALSO READ - Offshore betting sites are ending up with fatter pockets amid sparse regulations in India On December 4, reports claimed that Prime Minister's Office (PMO) overruled a proposal to only regulate games of skill and leave out games of chance. India is expected to bring regulation of online gaming to all real-money games in the immediate future. “After our last advisory on 3rd October, TV channels and OTT (Over-the-top) players stopped showing surrogate ads of online betting firms, but it was brought to our notice that many such ads are running on YouTube and Google. We have asked Google to stop this immediately," a senior ministry official was quoted as saying by Livemint. WATCH - Gravitas: Will India regulate online gaming? × In September, a government panel stated in a draft report that India should create a regulatory body to classify online games as based on skill or chance, introduce rules to block prohibited formats and take a stricter stance on gambling websites. India is concerned that many citizens are getting addicted to or losing money to online betting companies that are operating on the technicality of not having servers or a physical presence in India, an official told Livemint. Online betting is banned in many Indian states. According to estimates by the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) published in the report, overall, ₹5,000 crore is being deposited in the accounts of multiple agents of betting companies in India every month. But there is no clarity on where this money is going or how it’s being used, the lobby group claims. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India tells Google to stop direct or surrogate online advertisements from betting platforms

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