Maharashtra MLA Gaikwad demands ban on online gambling
Raising alarm over the growing impact of online gambling and betting on the youth, Maharashtra MLA Jyoti Eknath Gaikwad on Monday called for a complete ban on all forms of online betting and gambling in Maharashtra. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, she warned that these platforms are pushing young people into addiction, financial ruin, and destroying family well-being. Her demand adds to the growing political pressure for tighter regulation on online gaming in the state.
Strong stand
Jyoti Gaikwad, a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Dharavi, made a strong appeal to the state government during a session on Monday. She described online gambling and gaming platforms as a “serious social issue” that are “trapping the future of India in a vicious cycle of addiction and financial destruction.”
ऑनलाइन गेमिंग आणि सट्टा यामुळे हजारो तरुणांचे आयुष्य उध्वस्त होत आहे. या देशाचं भविष्य असणारी नवी पिढी गेमिंग व्यसन आणि आर्थिक बरबादीच्या दुष्टचक्रात अडकवली जात आहे.
— Dr. Jyoti Eknath Gaikwad (@DrJyotiEGaikwad)
आज विधानसभेत मी सर्व प्रकारच्या ऑनलाइन सट्टा आणि गेमिंगवर बंदी घालण्यासाठी कायद्या आण्याची
मागणी केली, तसेच या…
She urged the government to impose a complete ban on all forms of online gambling and betting, including fantasy sports and 바카라-style apps that involve money. Gaikwad stressed that easy access to such apps is luring teenagers and young adults, many of whom are becoming victims of financial stress and even resorting to borrowing or stealing money to gamble online.
In addition to a ban on online gambling platforms, Gaikwad demanded strict action against celebrities who endorse or promote such services. She pointed out that endorsements by popular public figures create a misleading image that gambling is a quick way to earn money, influencing millions of young followers.
She added that this influence must be addressed by bringing in accountability and penalties for those promoting online betting under the guise of brand partnerships or social media promotions.
Wider social concerns raised
While the issue of online gaming dominated her speech, Gaikwad also flagged the rise in drug addiction and growing crimes against women in urban areas. She said these problems are often connected, as gambling losses can trigger mental health issues and aggressive behaviour.
Despite touching on multiple social issues, her remarks on online gaming drew the most attention, especially in light of ongoing discussions in various Indian states about regulating the sector.
Earlier this year, during a Legislative Council session, council member Idris Nayakvadi also highlighted the link between cybercrime and online gaming platforms. He expressed concern about growing reports of digital frauds and identity theft targeting players on these platforms.
Several other members, including Pravin Darekar, Bhai Jagpat, and Shrikant Bharatiya, joined the debate, calling for urgent steps to address online financial exploitation and digital safety.
Government preparing new legislation
Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam had informed the Legislative Council in March that the government is working on a new law to regulate online money gaming. He stated that authorities are actively drafting the legislation, which will aim to prevent financial frauds and protect vulnerable users from exploitative gaming platforms.
