SC to hear real-money gaming ban challenge in Jan 2026

• Supreme Court to hear petitions challenging the real-money gaming ban in January 2026.
• Real-money gaming (RMG) operators are challenging the constitutional validity of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA), 2025.
• Petitioners, including Head Digital Works, argue PROGA has halted businesses and caused job losses, seeking a stay on its enforcement.
• The government defends PROGA, citing its necessity to curb unregulated online gaming linked to financial fraud, money laundering, and terror financing.
• PROGA prohibits online money games; it received President's assent but is not yet in effect, though many platforms have suspended money-based contests.

Why It Matters: Future of online real-money gaming in India hinges on Supreme Court's decision.