Maharashtra CM Seeks Central Ban on Online Gaming Amid Rising Social Concernstest

Addiction, Crime, and Celebrity Endorsements Under Spotlight

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged the Central Government to impose a nationwide ban on online gaming, citing increasing cases of addiction, financial distress, and family tragedies linked to gaming platforms.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Friday, Fadnavis acknowledged that the state lacks jurisdiction to regulate online gaming independently. “These websites are hosted abroad, and only the Centre has the power to act effectively,” he said, adding that he has already spoken to Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and formally requested intervention.

The push for regulation follows a chilling case raised by Shiv Sena MLA Kailash Patil, in which a man addicted to online games sold his land, went into debt, and eventually killed his family and himself. “If we could act against dance bars to protect our youth, we must act on online gaming too,” Patil argued.

Lawmakers from across party lines supported the call for tighter control, with NCP (SP) MLA Abhijeet Patil targeting celebrities for endorsing online gaming apps. “These promotions glamorize harmful behavior and mislead young users,” he said. Fadnavis echoed this concern, urging public figures to reconsider such associations and suggesting possible curbs on related advertising.

While several states are already tightening real-money gaming regulations, Maharashtra’s renewed push could influence national policy. With companies like Nazara Technologies and Delta Corp operating in the sector, the financial impact could be significant.

The state is also drafting laws to combat cybercrime and financial fraud linked to these platforms. “We’re working on a framework to ensure accountability,” said Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam.

As pressure mounts, online gaming in India may soon face stricter scrutiny at both state and national levels.