The government on Friday intensified its crackdown on illegal online betting and gambling platforms, blocking access to 242 websites under the Online Gaming Act, which came into effect in October 2025. Officials said the latest action is part of a sustained effort to curb unlawful digital gambling activities and safeguard users, particularly young people, from financial and social harm.
According to government sources quoted by news agency ANI, more than 7,800 illegal betting and gambling platforms have been taken down so far. Enforcement has accelerated significantly since the Online Gaming Act became operational, reflecting what officials described as a zero-tolerance approach towards unregulated and harmful online gaming activities.
“The Government of India today blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling website links. So far, more than 7,800 such platforms have been taken down, with enforcement action intensifying after the Online Gaming Act was passed,” sources said. They added that the crackdown demonstrates the government’s commitment to creating a safer digital ecosystem and preventing the adverse consequences associated with illegal online betting.
The latest move follows the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which received President Droupadi Murmu’s assent in August last year after being cleared by both Houses of Parliament. The legislation laid the foundation for a comprehensive regulatory framework for online gaming in India, striking a balance between encouraging legitimate gaming activities and prohibiting exploitative or harmful practices.
The law aims to promote e-sports and socially beneficial online games while banning money-based gaming formats that pose risks to users. It also prohibits the promotion of such illegal games and restricts associated financial transactions, cutting off key revenue channels that enable these platforms to operate.
A notable feature of the legislation is its approach towards individual players. Under the law, users who participate in money-based online games will not face penal action. Instead, enforcement measures are directed at service providers, advertisers, promoters, and those who finance or facilitate illegal gaming operations. This shift reflects the government’s view that systemic accountability, rather than punishing individual users, is more effective in dismantling illegal networks.
The online gaming rules framed under the Act came into force on October 1 last year, providing authorities with clearer powers to identify, block, and take down unlawful platforms. Since then, ministries and enforcement agencies have worked in coordination with internet service providers, financial institutions, and digital intermediaries to restrict access to illegal websites and disrupt payment flows linked to gambling activities.
Officials have repeatedly expressed concern about the rapid growth of illegal online betting platforms, many of which operate from overseas but target Indian users through aggressive advertising and social media promotions. These platforms are often accused of misleading users, encouraging excessive gambling, and exposing players to financial losses, data misuse, and addiction-related issues.
The government has also emphasised the broader social impact of illegal online betting, citing its potential to fuel debt, fraud, and mental health problems, especially among younger users. By strengthening enforcement and tightening regulations, authorities aim to reduce these risks while fostering a responsible and transparent online gaming industry.
Industry observers say the latest blocking of 242 websites signals a more assertive phase of enforcement. With clear rules now in place, regulators are expected to continue monitoring digital platforms closely and take swift action against violations.
As online gaming continues to grow in popularity, the government has reiterated that legitimate operators who comply with the law have nothing to fear. At the same time, officials have warned that illegal betting and gambling platforms will face sustained scrutiny and decisive action in the months ahead.