The Union government has blocked access to 242 online betting and gambling websites, adding to a growing list of platforms targeted under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The move forms part of a broader enforcement drive that has steadily expanded since the law came into force last year, as authorities seek to curb illegal wagering activities operating within and outside India.
“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,” government sources told news agency ANI. Officials said the latest action reflects a continued focus on reducing financial losses and social harm linked to unauthorised online gambling, with particular concern for younger users.
Law Passed Swiftly, Rules Enforced From October
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 received presidential assent in August last year after clearing both Houses of Parliament. The accompanying online gaming rules became effective on October 1. Together, they outlawed all games that allow users to stake money with the expectation of monetary returns, while allowing non-monetised online games and e-sports to continue.
Under the legislation, participants in money-based online games do not face penalties. Enforcement agencies instead pursue action against platform operators, advertisers, promoters, and entities that finance or support such services. The government has also barred promotions and financial transactions linked to prohibited gaming activities.
The legislation moved through Parliament over a short period, surprising many in the gaming industry. Legal experts and former executives had warned that a blanket ban could create opportunities for offshore operators to draw users away from regulated platforms, especially after legitimate real money gaming businesses shut down operations.
Offshore Platforms, Revenue Flows Remain A Concern
After licensed real money gaming companies exited the market, illegal and overseas betting websites continued to attract users. These operators often shift web addresses to avoid detection, complicating enforcement. A policy consultancy report published in 2025 noted that authorities face difficulties due to “URL switching,” where operators quickly move their sites to a different domain name.
Estimates from former industry representatives suggest that even conservative calculations place monthly wagers on illegal platforms at hundreds of crores of rupees. During the period when legal gaming platforms functioned, industry-backed studies indicated that unregulated sites were already expanding, drawing users through tax-free offerings and operating with minimal oversight.
The government has blocked thousands of such websites over recent years, including more than 1,000 URLs during 2024 alone. Officials acknowledge that blocking access remains an ongoing effort as operators adopt new methods to stay online.
Investigations have also pointed to the use of so-called mule accounts registered in the names of Indian residents. Through these accounts, funds generated from illegal betting move out of the country rapidly, making recovery difficult once the money crosses borders.
Despite these challenges, authorities say sustained enforcement will continue under the existing legal framework, with further action expected against networks that support or profit from illegal online betting and gambling.
Source:
“Centre bans 242 betting and gambling websites; nearly 8,000 platforms blocked so far: Reports”, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, January 16, 2026
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