India blocks 300 illegal betting, gambling sites in fresh crackdown

The Indian government has blocked around 300 illegal betting and gambling websites and applications in its latest enforcement action, stepping up a crackdown on unlawful online gaming activities.

The move is part of a broader enforcement drive that has accelerated following the passage of the Online Gaming Act last year, which established a stricter regulatory framework for the sector.

Authorities said the blocked platforms include online sports betting websites, offshore casinos offering games such as slots and roulette, and betting exchanges operating as peer-to-peer marketplaces. Satta and matka networks, as well as real-money card and casino gaming apps, were also targeted.

Many of these platforms were found to be operating without authorization and targeting Indian users through mirror sites and mobile applications.

In total, around 8,400 illegal gambling and betting websites and applications have been blocked to date.

The 2025 Online Gaming Act introduced a comprehensive ban on online money games in India. This includes games of chance, games of skill, and any hybrid formats involving monetary stakes.

The law also prohibits the advertising, promotion, and facilitation of such games. Financial transactions linked to these platforms are restricted, and banks and payment systems are barred from processing related payments.

However, while the law imposes a blanket ban on money-based games, it also aims to promote legitimate segments such as esports and online social gaming. The government has introduced provisions to support innovation and growth in these areas.