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Influencers, celebs fuel online gambling crisis, says Maharashtra government
The Maharashtra government has formally requested the Centre to enact legislation for the regulation of online gambling and gaming platforms.
From 2023 to 2025, Maharashtra recorded 97 cases of illegal online betting across multiple districts, with Mumbai City alone accounting for 38 cases.
On Wednesday, the Maharashtra government has officially acknowledged a disturbing rise in crimes—including suicides and financial fraud—linked to online gambling and gaming addiction. In a response tabled during the monsoon session of the state legislature, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed that multiple cases across the state have been traced to the growing influence of gambling apps often promoted by celebrities. He said the state has urged the Centre to enact a dedicated law to regulate online lotteries and gambling platforms.
The question during the monsoon session was raised by members Chitra Wagh, Prasad Lad, Pravin Darekar and advocate Niranjan Davkhare to Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister of Maharashtra.
A 16-year-old boy from Wakad, Pimpri-Chinchwad (District Pune) tragically died by suicide in April 2025 after becoming addicted to online gambling. The boy jumped from the 14th floor of the residential building where he lived. The incident has been confirmed by Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who stated that a case was registered at Ravet Police Station under Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate as Crime No. 32/2024 under Section 194 of the IPC.
Fadnavis acknowledged the role of social media and celebrity promotions in driving gambling among the youth. “Yes, it is true that excessive use of social media and widespread promotion of gambling apps by celebrities are luring the youth, leading to addiction, financial ruin, and even suicides,” Fadnavis stated.
Fadnavis also shared data showing the gravity of the situation:
In 2021, a suicide due to online gaming was reported in Nashik Rural.
In 2023, a case was reported in Gondia.
In 2024, Pimpri-Chinchwad saw one such suicide.
In 2025, Dharashiv district reported two murders and one suicide related to online gaming.
In addition, financial fraud cases linked to online gaming have been registered in Navi Mumbai and Nashik Rural, with a total of 12 cases between 2022 and 2025.
To tackle this, the Maharashtra Cyber Department is actively running awareness campaigns. “Public awareness efforts are being carried out through social media and organized cyber awareness programs,” Fadnavis said. “Between 2017 and 2019, a total of 3,253 police officers and personnel were trained in modern cyber investigation techniques.”
He admitted that the state lacks specific legislation to regulate online gaming. “Currently, there is no specific law in place to regulate online gaming. However, to bring it under control, the Central Government has issued the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, published in the Gazette on April 6, 2023.”
The Maharashtra government has formally requested the Centre to enact legislation for the regulation of online gambling and gaming platforms.
From 2023 to 2025, Maharashtra recorded 97 cases of illegal online betting across multiple districts, with Mumbai City alone accounting for 38 cases. Other districts like Chandrapur, Yavatmal, and Nagpur Rural also reported high numbers.
A total of 97 betting and gambling cases have been filed across various districts of Maharashtra. Mumbai City reported the highest number with 38 cases. Chandrapur and Nagpur Rural each recorded 11 cases, while Yavatmal followed with 9. Thane City and Palghar each saw 5 cases, and both Pimpri-Chinchwad and Wardha reported 4 cases each. Mira-Bhayander reported 3 cases. Amravati City had 2 cases. The districts of Akola, Nanded Rural, Navi Mumbai, Dharashiv, and Solapur Rural each reported one case.
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