Home Minister: Online Gaming Regulations to Follow Panel Report

Rapid summary

• A committee headed by IPS officer Pranab Mohanty, set up in April 2025, will provide recommendations on regulating online gaming; its report is due in September, as informed by Home Minister G. Parameshwara during the Karnataka Legislative Assembly session.
• Discussions have been held with online gaming companies to seek their cooperation for regulation amidst concerns over youth addiction.
• Karnataka Police Act amendments banning online games in 2021 were struck down by the High Court in 2022; the government has challenged this decision before the Supreme court, but progress has been slow according to BJP representatives.
• Since 2023, Karnataka has registered 347 cases of online betting related offenses:

– 84 cases (2023), 104 cases (2024), adn 159 cases (till July 31, 2025).

• IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge highlighted that fantasy sports are classified as “skill games” by courts and emphasized collaboration between Union and State governments for framing inclusive legislation.
• The Indian online gaming market is projected to grow from $4.5 billion to $9 billion within three years,with a meaningful user base of 519 million gamers,including 140 million paid users.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The deliberation around regulating online gaming reflects India’s complex intersection of legal challenges, economic potential, and societal impact regarding this rapidly evolving sector. While addiction among young users is a serious concern requiring urgent government intervention and appropriate safeguards, there are equally strong arguments emphasizing workforce development opportunities arising from this booming industry-now projected to double its market size within three years.The Supreme Court’s pending decision adds further uncertainty surrounding enforcement measures stemming from Karnataka’s legislative efforts against betting-based games-a matter deeply tied to broader judicial interpretations distinguishing skill-based versus chance-driven activities in gaming framework laws across India.

A cooperative effort between State and Union authorities could achieve clarity while balancing regulatory needs against fostering growth within global competitive markets. Evidence such as rising case registrations (up from 84 offenses in two years) underscores urgency for swift action without disrupting technological innovation powering India’s digital economy strides.

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