THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, June 3: The Supreme Court has observed that the rapid growth of online betting and gambling poses a serious threat to public order, public tranquillity and public health, warning that technological advances have effectively turned every mobile phone into a “virtual common gambling house”.
A bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan made the observations while upholding laws enacted by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to prohibit online betting and gambling activities.
States Empowered to Regulate Online Gambling
The court held that states can invoke their legislative powers under “public order” to regulate or prohibit online betting and gambling, noting that the social harms caused by such activities have a direct impact on society.
It observed that public order is not limited to incidents of violence or disorder but also includes activities that affect public health, create social instability, cause widespread financial distress and disrupt normal community life.
‘Every Mobile Phone Is Now a Virtual Gambling House’
Highlighting the impact of technology, the court noted that smartphones, internet access and digital payment systems have dramatically expanded the reach of betting and gambling platforms.
“With the growth of technology, the mischief that the Public Gambling Act sought to curb… has gone completely in vain as every mobile phone is now a virtual common gambling house as well as the instrument of gaming,” the bench observed.
The court noted that online money gaming is no longer confined to a small section of society and is increasingly attracting users from rural and lower-income backgrounds.
ALSO READ: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren targets ₹3,000 crore from sand ghats
Addiction, Financial Losses and Suicides
The Supreme Court said online money gaming has contributed to growing cases of addiction, financial distress, depression and suicides.
Referring to the World Health Organisation’s recognition of “gaming disorder” as a mental health condition, the court observed that excessive gaming can result in impaired control, continued participation despite harmful consequences and serious social impacts.
“The addiction and depression that stem from indulging in online money gaming and the frequent suicides that are reported would go on to indicate that this poses a widespread public health issue as well,” the court said.
Impact Extends Beyond Individual Players
The bench held that the consequences of online gambling extend beyond individual participants and affect families, communities and society at large.
According to the court, widespread monetary losses and addiction linked to online betting have become social phenomena that disturb the “even tempo” of community life, bringing the issue within the ambit of public order.
Children and Vulnerable Groups at Risk
The court also referred to concerns raised by the Gujarat High Court regarding internet gambling, including addiction, fraud and the ease with which children can access online gambling platforms.
It further noted that Tamil Nadu’s legislation was based on recommendations of the Justice K. Chandru Committee, which documented the social harms associated with online betting and gaming.
Verdict Upholds State Restrictions
Concluding that the widespread accessibility of online betting, the resulting social harms and the impact on public health provide sufficient grounds for state intervention, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka laws regulating online betting and gambling.