India blocks 242 illegal betting sites under gaming act
The Government of India blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling websites, citing concerns over user safety and the risks posed by unauthorised online gaming platforms.
Government sources told news agency ANI that more than 7,800 illegal betting and gambling platforms have been taken down so far. Enforcement action has intensified since the new online gaming law came into force in October 2025. Officials said the latest action highlights the government’s focus on protecting users, particularly young people, from financial and social risks linked to illegal online betting.
Crackdown intensifies after new law comes into force
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, commonly known as PROGA, was enacted after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent in August 2025. The Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament earlier that year. The rules under the Act came into effect on 1 October 2025.
Since then, authorities have increased monitoring of online platforms and digital advertisements linked to betting and gambling. Officials said many of the blocked websites were found offering real money games and betting services in violation of the law. Several of these platforms were also promoting their services through social media and online influencers.
What online gaming act covers
The PROGA provides a nationwide framework to regulate India’s fast-growing digital gaming sector. The law aims to clearly separate permitted online games from prohibited activities.
Under the Act, online money-based gaming and betting platforms are banned. These include games where users stake money for the chance to win cash or other monetary rewards. The law also prohibits the promotion of such platforms and related financial transactions.
At the same time, the Act promotes esports and social online games that do not involve money wagering. These games are allowed to operate under defined guidelines to encourage innovation, skill development and responsible gaming.
No penalties for players, focus on operators
Government sources clarified that players themselves will not face penalties for participating in money-based online games. Instead, enforcement action is directed at service providers, platform operators, advertisers, promoters and entities that finance illegal betting and gambling websites.
Authorities said penalties under the law include financial fines and other legal action against those running or supporting banned platforms. The focus remains on cutting off access, funding and promotion networks linked to illegal online betting.
National regulator to oversee compliance
The Act also provides for the establishment of a National Online Gaming Commission. The regulator is responsible for overseeing licensing, compliance and grievance redressal for permitted online gaming platforms.
Officials said the commission will work with central and state agencies to ensure consistent enforcement across the country. The law overrides earlier state-level rules to create a uniform national system for regulating online gaming.
Growing focus on user safety
According to government officials, the ongoing crackdown reflects concerns about the impact of illegal online betting on users. Authorities have repeatedly flagged risks such as financial losses, addiction and exposure of minors to unlawful gaming platforms.
Subscribe HERE to SiGMA’s Top 10 News countdown and SiGMA’s weekly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest iGaming News from the world’s iGaming authority, and benefit from subscriber-only offers.
