Delhi High Court Declines Plea to Ban Gambling and Betting Apps

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a plea that sought a ban on unregulated mobile applications promoting gambling and betting.

A Bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed the petitioner to first approach the government with a proper representation. The court observed that since a new law — the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 — has recently been enacted, the petitioner should raise his concerns with the authorities if issues remain unaddressed.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that the law only covers “money games” and is silent on unregulated gambling and betting apps that operate through platforms like Google Play Store and Apple App Store. He stressed that such activities remain unchecked and require a ban.

The court, however, advised the petitioner to make a fresh representation to the government, highlighting that his earlier concerns (raised in April) have not been resolved under the new Act. The Bench said that if such a representation is made, the authorities must respond promptly and take appropriate action.

With this observation, the High Court disposed of the petition.