The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a petition seeking to ban online gambling and betting platforms that are allegedly disguised as social and e-sports games. The court has issued a notice to the Union government, requesting a comprehensive response regarding the matter. The petition was filed by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) and presented by advocate Virag Gupta, who emphasized the need for protecting children from exposure to these applications.

The plea highlights concerns about approximately 150 million children affected by current legislative gaps and calls for coordinated action from several ministries, including Electronics and Information Technology, Information and Broadcasting, Finance, as well as Youth Affairs and Sports. It seeks blocking orders against unlawful betting platforms under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.

Gupta provided details on around 2,000 gambling apps operating in India despite existing laws that restrict online money games. He noted that while some states consider these activities illegal, over 650 million people engage with such platforms, generating annual revenue exceeding ₹1.8 lakh crore (approximately $22 billion).

During proceedings, V.C. Bharathi represented the Union government and stated that the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, once enacted, would address concerns raised in the petition; however, CASC's counsel argued that this new legislation does not adequately prevent illegal betting activities.

The Supreme Court's bench consisting of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan acknowledged Gupta's arguments during hearings scheduled for November 4. The court instructed authorities to verify claims made by CASC about specific betting apps operating illegally while also noting that parts of the new law are not yet fully implemented.

This legal challenge underscores growing concerns over online gambling's impact on society in India amid ongoing debates about regulation in this sector.

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The article discusses a Supreme Court petition regarding the banning of online gambling and betting platforms disguised as social and e-sports games. Here's a breakdown of its value:

Actionable Information: The article does not provide specific actions that individuals can take right now. While it mentions the Supreme Court's involvement and requests for responses from various ministries, it does not offer practical steps for readers to engage with or influence this issue directly.

Educational Depth: The article presents some context about the legal situation surrounding online gambling in India, including statistics on user engagement and revenue generation. However, it lacks deeper educational content that explains the implications of these activities or how they affect society at large. It does not delve into the legal framework governing online gaming or provide insights into why these platforms are problematic.

Personal Relevance: For individuals concerned about online gambling, especially parents worried about children's exposure to such platforms, this topic is relevant. However, without actionable steps or advice on how to protect children or navigate these issues personally, its relevance is limited.

Public Service Function: While the article addresses a significant public concern regarding online gambling and potential harm to children, it does not provide official warnings or safety advice that individuals can use immediately. It primarily reports on ongoing legal proceedings without offering additional resources.

Practicality of Advice: There is no clear advice given in the article that readers can realistically follow. The mention of blocking orders under Section 69A of the IT Act pertains more to governmental action than individual action.

Long-term Impact: The discussion around banning harmful platforms could have long-term benefits if successful; however, since there are no immediate actions suggested for readers to take part in this process, its long-term impact remains theoretical rather than practical.

Emotional or Psychological Impact: The article may evoke concern among readers about online gambling's prevalence and its effects on youth but does not offer reassurance or constructive ways to address these concerns. It lacks supportive content that would empower readers emotionally.

Clickbait or Ad-driven Words: The language used in the article appears factual and straightforward without overtly dramatic phrasing aimed at attracting clicks. It focuses more on reporting news rather than sensationalizing it for attention.

Missed Chances to Teach or Guide: The article could have included suggestions for parents on monitoring children's gaming habits or resources where they could learn more about safe gaming practices. Additionally, providing links to organizations focused on responsible gaming would enhance its value significantly.

In summary, while the article highlights an important legal issue concerning online gambling in India, it falls short in providing actionable steps for individuals, educational depth beyond basic facts, personal relevance with practical advice, public service functions like safety tips, emotional support strategies, and opportunities for further learning. To find better information on protecting children from online gambling risks or understanding related laws better, one might consider looking up trusted child safety websites or consulting local advocacy groups focused on responsible gaming practices.

The rise of online gambling and betting platforms, particularly those masquerading as social and e-sports games, poses a significant threat to the foundational bonds that hold families, clans, and communities together. These platforms not only exploit the vulnerable—especially children—but also undermine the essential duties of parents and extended kin to nurture and protect their young.

By drawing children into environments where gambling is normalized, these platforms erode parental authority and responsibility. The natural duty of mothers and fathers to guide their children away from harmful influences is compromised when such activities are easily accessible under the guise of entertainment. This shift creates a dependency on external entities for guidance rather than fostering an environment where family members actively engage in teaching values around responsible behavior, financial literacy, and risk management.

Moreover, these gambling platforms can fracture family cohesion by introducing economic pressures that lead to conflict within households. When individuals become engrossed in betting activities, they may prioritize short-term gains over long-term familial responsibilities. This behavior not only jeopardizes financial stability but also cultivates an atmosphere of mistrust among family members as priorities shift away from collective well-being toward individual pursuits.

Elders in families are particularly at risk as they often rely on younger generations for support. If those younger members are preoccupied with gambling or its consequences—such as financial loss or addiction—their ability to care for elders diminishes significantly. This neglect undermines intergenerational bonds that have traditionally ensured mutual support within families.

Additionally, the normalization of such behaviors can lead to a broader cultural acceptance that diminishes respect for personal duty toward one another. As community trust erodes due to increased reliance on impersonal online systems rather than local kinship ties, individuals may feel less accountable for their actions towards others in their community.

If left unchecked, the proliferation of these online gambling platforms will likely result in weakened familial structures where parents abdicate their protective roles in favor of convenience or distraction provided by technology. Children growing up without strong guidance may struggle with understanding personal responsibility and stewardship over resources—both crucial elements for sustainable living within any community.

In conclusion, if these trends continue unchallenged, we risk creating a society where families become fragmented; children grow up lacking essential life skills; trust between neighbors dissipates; and our collective responsibility toward caring for both land and people deteriorates. The survival of our communities hinges on nurturing strong familial bonds rooted in shared duties—protecting our young ones while ensuring that every member contributes positively to the fabric of society through active engagement with one another rather than dependence on distant entities or harmful practices.

The text uses strong language when it describes online gambling as operating "under the guise of social and e-sports games." This phrase suggests deceit and manipulation, implying that these platforms are intentionally misleading users. By framing it this way, the text evokes a sense of urgency and danger, which may lead readers to view online gambling more negatively. This choice of words helps to rally support for the petition against these platforms.

The phrase "protect children from exposure" implies that children are in imminent danger from these applications. This wording creates a fear-based narrative that can lead readers to support banning online gambling without considering other viewpoints or evidence. It emphasizes a moral obligation to safeguard youth, which can overshadow discussions about personal responsibility or informed choices by adults. The emotional appeal here serves to strengthen the argument for intervention.

The claim that "over 650 million people are reportedly engaged with these platforms" presents a large number but lacks context about whether this engagement is positive or negative. By focusing solely on the number of users, it suggests widespread acceptance and normalization of online gambling without addressing potential benefits or responsible use cases. This selective presentation can mislead readers into thinking that high engagement is inherently problematic.

The text states that these platforms generate an annual revenue exceeding ₹1.8 lakh crore (approximately $22 billion). While this figure highlights the financial scale of online gambling, it does not provide information on how this revenue impacts society positively or negatively. Presenting only the revenue figure may create an impression that financial gain is inherently bad without discussing economic contributions or job creation associated with these platforms.

When mentioning "blocking orders against unlawful betting platforms under Section 69A of the IT Act," there is an implication that all such platforms are illegal and harmful without distinguishing between those operating within legal frameworks versus those violating laws. This generalization can lead readers to believe all online gaming activities should be banned rather than focusing on specific illegal practices. It simplifies a complex issue into an easily digestible but potentially misleading narrative.

The text's reference to several ministries being involved in addressing this issue indicates a coordinated government response but does not explore potential opposition from stakeholders who might benefit from online gaming industries, such as businesses and consumers who enjoy e-sports games responsibly. By omitting dissenting voices or alternative perspectives, it presents a one-sided view favoring regulation over individual choice and market freedom.

The use of terms like "illegal in many states across India" suggests uniformity in public opinion against online gambling while ignoring regions where such activities might be accepted or regulated differently. This framing can create bias by implying there is widespread consensus on banning these activities when local attitudes may vary significantly across different areas in India.

Lastly, describing advocate Virag Gupta's petition as emphasizing accountability signals virtue signaling by suggesting moral superiority regarding protecting children without presenting counterarguments about personal agency among adults engaging with gaming content responsibly. This portrayal could manipulate public sentiment by framing opposition as irresponsible rather than considering diverse views on regulation versus personal freedom in entertainment choices.

The text conveys several meaningful emotions that shape its message regarding the petition to ban online gambling and betting platforms. One prominent emotion is fear, particularly concerning the exposure of children to these applications. This fear is articulated through phrases like "protect children from exposure," which highlights a sense of urgency and concern for their well-being. The strength of this emotion is significant, as it underscores the potential dangers posed by these platforms, aiming to evoke a protective instinct in readers. This fear serves to create sympathy for vulnerable populations, particularly children, encouraging readers to consider the implications of unregulated online gaming.

Another emotion present in the text is anger, directed towards the existence and operation of these gambling platforms that disguise themselves as social games. The use of terms such as "unlawful betting platforms" suggests a strong disapproval of their practices and implies that they are taking advantage of loopholes in legislation. This anger is potent because it not only reflects societal frustration with illegal activities but also calls for accountability from various ministries involved in regulating such platforms. By expressing this anger, the text aims to inspire action among policymakers and stakeholders who have the power to address these issues.

Additionally, there is an underlying sense of urgency throughout the message, particularly with phrases like "set to hear this case on Tuesday." This urgency amplifies both fear and anger by suggesting that immediate action is necessary before more harm can occur. It prompts readers to recognize that time-sensitive decisions must be made regarding children's safety and legal accountability.

The emotional weight carried by these sentiments guides readers' reactions effectively. Fear encourages sympathy towards children at risk; anger fosters a desire for justice against exploitative practices; urgency compels immediate attention and action from authorities. Together, these emotions work cohesively to persuade readers about the necessity of addressing online gambling issues.

The writer employs specific emotional language choices designed to resonate deeply with readers rather than remaining neutral or detached. Words like "ban," "unlawful," and "exposure" evoke strong feelings associated with protection and justice while framing online gambling as a serious societal issue rather than merely an entertainment choice. Additionally, repetition around themes such as protecting children reinforces their importance in driving home emotional impact.

Overall, through careful selection of emotionally charged language and strategic emphasis on urgent concerns about child safety and legal accountability, the text effectively steers reader attention toward advocating for change in how online gaming laws are interpreted and enforced in India.