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Sportsbaazi, a skill gaming platform run by SBN Gaming Network Pvt. Ltd., has been granted interim relief by the High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur, India. Top Crypto Casino in Saudi Arabia – BitStarz Ranked #1

According to local reports, the relief comes in response to the platform’s legal challenges. 

Initially, the Court issued a directive ordering the petitioner to halt operations of its platform in Chhattisgarh. The platform was geo-blocked throughout the state but could continue functioning in other parts of the country until its next hearing.

Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad presided over the case, noting that the app, which offers Rummy, qualifies as a skill-based gaming platform. As such, it is allowed to continue operations under the IT Act.

The Court also questioned procedural fairness after the app was blocked nationwide with no prior notice or an opportunity for the petitioner to be heard. 

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After researching the app, the Court concluded that its gameplay involves strategy, mutation, and combination elements. This allowed it to qualify as a game of skill, rather than a simple game of chance. 

The ruling also pointed out that betting and gambling fall under List-2 (State List), while the IT Act is responsible for skill-based games, which fall under List-1 (Union List). 

The distinction is important enough to prevent state authorities from having jurisdiction to impose restrictions on Sportsbaazi and similar platforms.

The company’s petition contests a directive issued by the Inspector General of Police of Chhattisgarh on May 5 this year. 

The directive instructed local internet providers and telecoms to restrict access to SportsBaazi and other specific platforms. It cited provisions under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act and the laws that govern regional gambling.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi represented the company and argued that it operates legally and in full compliance, given its status as a skill-based fantasy gaming platform. 

The defence further argued that the action taken against the platform was arbitrary and lacked due process. It also went beyond the state’s territorial jurisdiction, severely disrupting its business operations.

The status of skill-based games is also currently questioned in India, as the government argues that even skill-based games could be considered games of chance if betting is involved.

While the relief represents a legal victory for the platform, the ongoing government discussion reflects broader issues surrounding the legality and regulation of skill-based platforms nationwide. 

Raz
Raz

With 10+ years in tech, crypto, gaming, and finance, Raz has written across a multitude of platforms, covering both crypto and gambling news. He specializes in content on iGaming, sports betting, and...