Bengaluru, 28 August

Head Digital Works, operator of 'A23 Rummy', has filed a petition with the State High Court against the recently enacted Central Act that bans money-based online games. This marks the first legal challenge to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The High Court is set to hear the petition on 30 August.

Justice BM Shyam Prasad has directed that the case be listed for a hearing this Saturday. The Act, which received Presidential assent on 22 August after passing both Houses of Parliament, prohibits "online money games" and restricts related banking services and advertisements.

An "online money game" is defined as any internet-based game where participants pay a fee or stake money with the expectation of rewards. Exceptions exist for e-sports and online social games deemed educational or recreational.

Violations of the Act can result in up to three years' imprisonment and fines up to Rs 1 crore, while advertising such games may incur up to two years’ imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 50 lakh. A Central Authority will be established to evaluate whether games fall under this definition.