A23 parent files first legal challenge to India’s new online gaming law

Head Digital Works, the operator of rummy and poker platform A23, has filed a petition before the Karnataka High Court challenging the newly enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Law, 2025.

The law, passed by Parliament on August 21, imposes a blanket prohibition on all forms of online money games while encouraging e-sports and social gaming. In its filing, A23 argued that the legislation effectively criminalises skill-based games such as rummy and poker, putting legitimate businesses at risk of immediate shutdown. 

The company urged the…