The BJP on Saturday staged a protest at Jantar Mantar demonstrating against online gambling, demanding a nationwide ban due to rising addiction and financial distress. Former Union Minister Vijay Goel led the protest alongwith South Delhi BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, MLAs Ajay Mahawar, Abhay Verma and Mohan Singh Bisht,  highlighting the severe impact of online gaming on society. Addressing over 1000 people who came to support Goel in his initiative, Goel said that “The online gaming industry, now worth Rs 12 lakh crore, is growing at 30% annually. It is causing financial ruin and pushing families into crisis and suicides.

Goel said that the number of fantasy sports users has seen an extraordinary surge, growing from 20 lakh in 2016 to 24 crore in 2024, with a significant portion of the users being youth as young as 10 years old.

“This number is projected to reach 50 crore by 2027”, he pointed.

The former union minister further said that the online gaming industry took a significant leap in 2007. Currently, there are 15 prominent companies actively promoting online gaming, alongside 100 more companies registered with the Government of India and emphasized the critical distinction between gaming and gambling. He said, “While gaming relies on the application of skill and intellect, gambling is driven purely by luck”.

Addressing the gathering, Bidhuri emphasized the social and economic consequences, adding, “Many young people are falling prey to the lure of quick money through online gambling.

This is not just a social issue but a threat to the very fabric of our society.” MLAs Ajay Mahawar and Mohan Singh Bisht echoed the sentiment, pointing to the lack of regulation and the easy accessibility of these platforms.