India’s online gaming and prediction market, SportsBaazi has suspended its opinion trading services nationwide. The move follows rising legal scrutiny and comes months after the platform had already restricted access in select states.
SportsBaazi pauses services to review compliance
Users of SportsBaazi received a notification stating that the opinion trading feature is “currently unavailable” as the platform works to deliver a “safe, seamless, and enjoyable experience.” The company has not released an official statement, but the message indicates a focus on improving compliance and operational standards.
In May 2025, SportsBaazi had suspended its services in Haryana after the state passed the Prevention of Public Gambling Act, 2025, which imposed stricter penalties for gambling, sports betting, and opinion trading platforms.
That same month, the Chhattisgarh High Court directed SportsBaazi to restrict access within the state while allowing operations elsewhere in the country. The court order came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that raised concerns about online real-money gaming platforms allegedly operating without local authorisation.
With these legal developments unfolding, the latest suspension signals a more cautious approach from the company as it navigates complex and changing regulatory conditions.
Rise in legal action against online prediction platforms
The suspension by SportsBaazi reflects broader challenges facing the opinion trading segment. Multiple Indian states are introducing new laws or revising old ones to deal with real-money gaming platforms, many of which operate in legal grey areas.
The Prevention of Public Gambling Act, 2025, passed in Haryana, has set a new precedent by specifically including opinion trading under gambling-related offences. The law targets both operators and users, with provisions for fines and imprisonment.
In Chhattisgarh, state authorities have taken action against several online platforms through court proceedings and regulatory notices. The court-mandated restrictions on SportsBaazi show how states are beginning to assert more control over digital gaming services operating within their jurisdiction.
Probo faces ED investigation
Amid the regulatory tightening, another platform—Probo—is under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a law enforcement and economic intelligence agency of the Government of India. On 9 July 2025, the ED raided four premises in Gurugram and Jind, Haryana, linked to Probo Media Technologies Pvt Ltd.
The ED has frozen assets worth ₹284.50 crore (approximately $33.17 million) and seized digital evidence. According to the agency, Probo misrepresented its platform as a skill-based opinion trading app, while allegedly engaging in gambling-like operations.
Probo said it is cooperating fully with the authorities and maintains that it complies with applicable laws. The platform stated it is confident in its business model and the country’s legal process.
Uncertain future for opinion trading in India
Growing regulatory pressure on online gaming and opinion trading platforms is highlighted by the SportsBaazi service suspension and the ED action against Probo. Businesses operating in this sector face increasing operational and legal risks as more states update their gambling laws and federal agencies step up enforcement.
According to G2G, industry experts, platforms might have to update their business plans or submit applications for local permits in order to comply with regulations. Opinion trading in India will likely be under increased scrutiny in the upcoming months, according to the changing legal environment.
