India has intensified its action against unauthorised online gambling by blocking 300 additional websites and mobile applications, widening an ongoing enforcement campaign that has already restricted thousands of platforms across the country.
Authorities confirmed that the latest move brings the total number of banned gambling and betting sites to nearly 8,400. The enforcement effort covers a broad spectrum of services, including sports betting portals, online casinos, live dealer platforms, betting exchanges, and networks linked to satta and matka operations, as well as real-money gaming apps offering card-based or casino-style experiences.
Broad Enforcement Targets Multiple Platform Types
The blocked platforms operate across several formats tied to online wagering. Officials targeted digital casinos featuring games such as slots and roulette, alongside peer-to-peer betting exchanges that allow users to place wagers against each other. The action also extended to smaller gambling networks and applications built around monetary stakes.
The government has taken steps over several years to address concerns linked to these services, issuing advisories between 2022 and 2024 that warned media outlets, advertisers, and influencers against promoting betting-related content. These measures aimed to reduce public exposure to misleading advertisements connected to gambling platforms.
Authorities have also raised concerns that certain platforms facilitate illegal financial activity and messaging channels that could threaten national security.
Law Drives Surge in Blocking Activity
A significant portion of enforcement has followed the introduction of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. Since the law came into effect after its passage on August 21, 2025, officials have blocked close to 4,900 platforms, indicating a sharp rise in regulatory action.
The legislation establishes a comprehensive prohibition on online money gaming, covering games of chance, skill-based formats, and hybrid variations involving financial stakes. It also restricts advertising and prevents financial institutions from processing payments linked to such activities.
“This legislation is designed to curb addiction, financial ruin and social distress caused by predatory gaming platforms that thrive on misleading promises of quick wealth. It reflects the Government’s resolve to safeguard families while guiding the digital economy towards safe and constructive growth,” the government had earlier said.
The framework allows authorities to block platforms under existing provisions of the Information Technology Act, enabling faster intervention against websites and applications operating outside legal boundaries.
Penalties and Ongoing Oversight
The framework sets penalties including imprisonment and fines, with stricter consequences for repeat violations. Advertising banned platforms is also punishable.
Additional laws address unlawful economic activity and cybercrime, while tax rules require gaming operators to register. Enforcement agencies can direct intermediaries to block non-compliant services.
The World Health Organisation classifies gaming disorder as a health condition involving loss of control and continued play despite harm. Government estimates indicate around 45 crore people have been affected by online money gaming, with losses exceeding ₹20,000 crore.
Officials said monitoring will continue, focusing on identifying new operators and preventing blocked platforms from returning.
Source:
Government blocks 300 ‘illegal’ gambling and betting platforms, thehindu.com, March 20, 2026
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