THE SUPREME COURT on Tuesday suggested that skill-based online tournaments and competitions may not fall within the scope of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
The legislation prohibits real-money gaming, associated banking transactions and advertising, and has faced multiple legal challenges from gaming platforms and professionals. During a hearing on a petition filed by an online chess player, a Bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan remarked that competitions based on skill rather than wagering might be “completely excluded” from the Act’s coverage. A detailed hearing has been scheduled for 26 November.
The Court’s observations came in response to a petition from a professional chess player who argued that his livelihood depends on online tournaments. When asked whether the competitions involved betting, counsel explained that participants pay an entry fee and compete for prize money. Justice Pardiwala noted that the government did not appear to oppose tournaments involving skill.
The Bench has clubbed this plea with other petitions filed by online gaming companies contesting the 2025 law, which they contend has resulted in significant job losses and platform closures. The Union government has been asked to file a comprehensive response before the next hearing in November.
