Government Intensifies Crackdown on Online Gambling, Blocks 300 Websites and Apps
In a significant enforcement drive, the Indian government has taken decisive action against online gambling and betting platforms, blocking around 300 websites and applications in the latest round of operations. This move represents a major escalation in efforts to curb unlawful real-money gaming activities across the country.
Enforcement Drive Gains Momentum After Online Gaming Act
The intensified crackdown has gathered substantial pace following the passage of the Online Gaming Act last year. This legislation established a clearer regulatory framework specifically designed to address and restrict illegal real-money gaming and betting operations that target Indian users.
The blocked platforms encompass a wide range of gambling services, including online sports betting websites that accept wagers on various sporting events. Additionally, the action has targeted offshore casinos offering popular games such as slots and roulette, which have been operating without proper authorisation within Indian jurisdiction.
Comprehensive Targeting of Multiple Gambling Formats
Authorities have also focused on betting exchanges that function as peer-to-peer marketplaces, allowing users to place bets against each other rather than against a bookmaker. Traditional satta and matka networks, which have long operated in the shadows of India's gambling landscape, have similarly been included in this sweeping enforcement action.
The crackdown extends to real-money card and casino gaming applications that have proliferated across mobile platforms in recent years. Many of these blocked services were found to be operating without the necessary regulatory approvals and licenses required under Indian law.
Sophisticated Evasion Tactics Uncovered
Investigations revealed that numerous platforms employed sophisticated methods to target Indian users despite regulatory restrictions. These included the use of mirror sites—duplicate websites with different domain names—and mobile applications specifically designed to circumvent geographical restrictions and regulatory oversight.
The government's enforcement agencies have been monitoring these platforms closely, identifying patterns of operation that violate the provisions of the Online Gaming Act. The blocking of approximately 300 websites and applications represents one of the most comprehensive actions taken against the online gambling sector since the legislation came into effect.
This enforcement drive underscores the government's commitment to creating a safer digital environment and protecting citizens from the potential harms associated with unregulated gambling activities. The action sends a clear message to operators that compliance with Indian regulations is mandatory for any platform seeking to offer real-money gaming services to users within the country.
