Online Gaming Ban On The Cards As Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Raises Alarm Over Suicides And Scams

Mumbai, July 22: In a strong move against the rising tide of online gambling-related tragedies, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged a complete ban on online real-money gaming across the state. Citing an alarming spike in suicides, financial ruin, and cyber fraud linked to gaming addiction, Fadnavis has written to Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, calling for urgent central intervention and stricter regulations.

Addressing the Legislative Assembly, Fadnavis warned that the current Information Technology rules are insufficient to deal with the growing menace of online gaming platforms, many of which are hosted outside India and thus escape state control.“Online gaming has become a new-age addiction, pushing people into mental health crises, financial devastation, and criminal activity. We are committed to working with the Centre to curb this threat,” Fadnavis told the Assembly.

The call for regulation comes in the wake of several deeply distressing incidents. In Dharashiv, a man reportedly sold his land to repay online rummy losses, before poisoning his pregnant wife and two-year-old child, and taking his own life. In another case from Pimpri Chinchwad, a 16-year-old boy jumped from a 14th-floor balcony after succumbing to gambling addiction.

The cybercrime toll is also mounting. In Mohali, police recently busted an ₹18 crore fraud ring using fake gaming pitches via WhatsApp, arresting eight people. Meanwhile, a Navi Mumbai businessman reportedly lost ₹2.74 crore in online betting over two years, prompting a police FIR.

Since 2023, Maharashtra has recorded nearly 97 illegal betting cases, with dozens reported in Mumbai alone. In response, the state has scaled up enforcement—training over 3,000 cyber police officers, launching 50 cyber labs, and establishing emergency helplines (1945/1930).

However, Fadnavis stressed that meaningful action requires central legislation. "Only the Union government can block these offshore platforms effectively," he said, urging a nationwide policy overhaul and a crackdown on celebrity endorsements that “glamourise gambling.”

With the social and psychological costs mounting, Maharashtra's government is making it clear: online real-money gaming is no longer just a recreational issue—it is a growing public health and safety concern.