First lawsuit filed in India against new ban on all online games of chance

On August 28, Indian online poker and rummy platform A23 filed a lawsuit challenging a new law banning online games of chance.

Recall that on August 22, the President of India approved a law introducing an absolute ban on all online games of chance, regardless of whether these games are more skill-based or gambling.

According to A23, the new ban “criminalises the legitimate business of playing online games of skill, which would result in the closure of various gaming companies overnight,” and is a “product of state paternalism.” They want the law, in terms of banning poker and rummy, to be declared unconstitutional, since the ban does not distinguish between games of skill and games of chance.

In the plea filed in the Karnataka High Court, the company cited Articles 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India - the right of citizens to carry on any lawful business and Article 14 - the right to equality. According to A23, the ban is contrary to previous Supreme Court decisions and the Constitution.

A23 has over 70 million users and thousands of jobs. The ban has already caused huge damage to the industry, which brings in 2.3 billion in taxes annually and provides 200,000 jobs.

The case is scheduled to be heard on Saturday, August 30, 2025.