Vijay Goel Calls Protest at Jantar Mantar for Nationwide Ban on Online Gambling
Vijay Goel Leads Protest at Jantar Mantar, Calls for Nationwide Ban on Online Gambling
The online gaming industry, worth ₹12 lakh crore and growing at 30% annually, is causing financial ruin and driving families into crises and suicides
Former Union Minister Vijay Goel staged a protest at Jantar Mantar today, demanding a nationwide ban on online gambling due to its rising prevalence, growing addiction, and severe financial repercussions. Joined by M.P. Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Delhi MLAs Ajay Mahawar, Abhay Verma, and Mohan Singh Bisht, as well as numerous activists and concerned citizens, the protest highlighted the pressing need for government intervention.
Addressing a gathering of over 1,000 people, Goel described online gambling as a "growing menace," pointing to its devastating impact on families and society.
He said “The online gaming industry, worth ₹12 lakh crore and growing at 30% annually, is causing financial ruin and driving families into crises and suicides,”.
Goel revealed alarming statistics, noting that the number of fantasy sports users in India has skyrocketed from 20 lakh in 2016 to 24 crore in 2024, with projections estimating the figure will reach 50 crore by 2027. Highlighting the vulnerability of young people, including children as young as 10, Goel stressed the urgent need for regulatory measures.
यह भी पढ़ें : दिल्ली - 'नकली डॉक्टर ?' द्वारा मंदिर परिसर में आँखों के कैंप का आयोजन,
He differentiated between skill-based gaming and gambling, which he termed “purely luck-driven,” and criticized the industry for its unchecked growth. “Online gambling is wreaking havoc on lives, fueling addiction, and driving families into debt. The government must take decisive action to ban these platforms and prevent further harm,” he said.
Referring to The Public Gambling Act of 1876, Goel called on state governments to act decisively, pointing out that only Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have banned online gambling so far. Drawing parallels with his earlier campaign against single-digit lotteries, Goel emphasized the importance of public awareness and sustained efforts to influence policy changes.
MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri echoed these concerns, calling online gambling a threat to the fabric of society. “Many young people are falling prey to the lure of quick money through online gambling. This is not just a social issue but an economic one,” he warned.
Delhi MLAs Ajay Mahawar and Mohan Singh Bisht also called for stricter regulations and legislative action to curb the proliferation of gambling platforms. Mahawar urged media, educational institutions, and social organizations to join the awareness campaign against online gambling.
यह भी पढ़ें : सारिका श्रीवास्तव ने उनकी 'नकली डॉक्टर' की पहचान का पर्दाफ़ाश
The protest, which saw significant public participation, marks the beginning of what Goel hopes will become a nationwide movement to combat the growing influence of online gambling in India.
Highlights of the Protest Against Online Gambling:
1. Protest Led by Vijay Goel
Former Union Minister Vijay Goel staged a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, calling for a nationwide ban on online gambling.
2. Rising Industry and Alarming Stats:
Online gaming industry valued at ₹12 lakh crore, growing at 30% annually.
Fantasy sports users increased from 20 lakh (2016) to 24 crore (2024); projected to reach 50 crore by 2027.
Many users include youth as young as 10 years old.
3. Societal Impact:
Online gambling linked to addiction, financial crises, and suicides.
Families pushed into debt due to unchecked proliferation of gambling platforms.
4. Call for Government Action:
Goel emphasized the need for a ban, citing The Public Gambling Act of 1876.
Only Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have implemented bans on online gambling.
5. Support from Leaders and Public:
Joined by M.P. Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Delhi MLAs Ajay Mahawar, Abhay Verma, and Mohan Singh Bisht.
Protest witnessed participation of over 1,000 activists, parents, and citizens.
6. Push for Public Awareness
Goel urged collective efforts to create awareness, drawing parallels with his successful campaign against single-digit lotteries.
Appeals made to media, schools, and social organizations to join the fight.
7. Voices of Concern:
Bidhuri and other leaders highlighted the economic and social consequences of online gambling.
Urged urgent legislative measures to curb this growing menace.
