SC: 'Terrorist funding takes place in the name of gaming apps', the Centre said in an affidavit filed in the court.:

News Topical, Digital Desk : The central government has told the Supreme Court that unregulated online gaming apps have links to terror funding and money laundering, justifying the introduction of a law to regulate these virtual platforms.

A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Vishwanathan said it will try to take up the matter for hearing on Thursday. The affidavit filed by the Centre said, “The unchecked expansion of online money gaming is linked to financial fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and in some cases terror funding.”

This poses a threat to national security, public order, and the integrity of the nation. Online gaming is often heavily marketed through extensive advertising campaigns and endorsements by celebrities and influencers. This increases its reach and influence, particularly among youth and vulnerable groups.

The government said that in view of the harmful and negative impact of online money gaming on individuals, families, society and the country, the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Act, 2025 was brought.

The government also observed that online money gaming operates under an international network and is operated from other countries.

Justifying the complete ban, the government said that companies offering online money games have caused a loss of about Rs 20 thousand crore per year to the common people and about 45 crore people have been affected by online money games.