Apple(US:AAPL) ETBrandEquity.com·2025-11-04 11:39Core Viewpoint - The Supreme Court of India is addressing a plea to prohibit online gambling and betting platforms that allegedly operate under the guise of social and e-sports games, highlighting the need for regulatory action to protect minors and address the proliferation of such applications [11][12]. Group 1: Legal Context and Proceedings - The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for a batch of petitions challenging the online gaming law that prohibits "online money games" and restricts banking services and advertising related to them, with a hearing set for November 4 [3][11]. - The petition, filed by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC), emphasizes the need for a harmonious interpretation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, and state laws to effectively prohibit online gambling [7][13]. - The petition names six respondents, including four Union ministries and major app store operators, Apple Inc. and Google India Pvt Ltd, indicating a broad scope of accountability [8][13]. Group 2: Social and Economic Impact - The plea highlights that over 650 million individuals are engaged in online gambling, generating an annual business of more than INR 1.8 trillion for these platforms in India, underscoring the significant economic implications [9][13]. - The petition stresses the protection of approximately 150 million children who are reportedly affected by the current legal "vacuum" regarding online gambling [4][13]. Group 3: Regulatory Actions and Requests - The petition requests the central government to issue blocking orders against unlawful betting and gambling platforms under Section 69A of the IT Act, aiming to curb illegal activities [10][13]. - It also seeks directions to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platforms to prevent transactions related to unregistered online money games in India [10][13].