SC rejects review pleas on online gaming

The Supreme Court has dismissed review petitions challenging its May ruling that upheld the validity of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka's laws banning online games with stakes. The bench of justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan found no merit in the petitions filed by gaming companies. The court had previously upheld the bans in May, ruling that states can ban online games if they pose a threat to public order and wellbeing.

The justices emphasized that when betting or gambling enters the picture, the nature of the game ceases to be relevant. They noted that staking money on uncertain events raises concerns of addiction and drives the desire for more gains. The state's ability to regulate or prohibit certain activities was also highlighted, with the court citing empirical data supporting the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka laws.