India’s Supreme Court is preparing to decide the final challenges to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (PROGA), a federal law that prohibits real-money games without distinguishing between skill, chance or hybrid formats. The ruling could reopen a legal path for rummy, poker, fantasy sports and competitive carrom.
The law was approved in August 2025 and received presidential assent from Droupadi Murmu on August 22. It prohibits offering, promoting, financing or processing payments linked to real-money games and provides for up to three years in prison, fines of INR10 million, platform blocking and tougher penalties for repeat offenders.
K.V. Viswanathan
The challenges were filed by Head Digital Works Private Limited, operator of A23; Bagheera Carrom (OPC) Private Limited; and Clubboom11 Sports and Entertainment Private Limited, which is linked to the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports. The cases, initially brought before the Karnataka, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh High Courts, were consolidated by the Supreme Court to prevent conflicting decisions.
A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan ordered the transfer of the proceedings. The Union government is represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, while senior advocate C. Aryama Sundaram appeared for Head Digital Works. The Supreme Court is headed in August 2026 by Chief Justice Surya Kant, although his participation in the final bench will depend on the official cause list.
Senior Advocate C. Aryama Sundaram
The claimants allege violations of Articles 14, 19(1)(g) and 21 of the Constitution, as well as federal intrusion into state powers over betting and gambling. The government defends the ban on the grounds of addiction, fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and national security risks.
The industry estimates that more than 200,000 jobs, around 400 companies, over 2,000 startups and INR230 billion in foreign investment are exposed. Dream11 said it lost approximately 95% of its revenue. Enforcement falls under MeitY, led by Ashwini Vaishnaw, with Jitin Prasada serving as Minister of State. The Online Gaming Authority of India, chaired by Priyank Bharti, began operating on May 1, 2026.
