Centre Cracks Down on Illegal Betting Sites

• Government blocks 242 illegal betting and gambling websites.
• Action intensified after passage of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
• More than 7,800 illegal sites taken down till date.
• Move aims to protect youth and curb financial and social harm.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 16th Jan: The Union government on Friday blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling website links as part of stepped-up enforcement measures following the enactment of the Online Gaming Act, official sources said.

Authorities stated that the latest action underlines the Centre’s resolve to protect citizens — particularly young people — from the financial and psychological risks posed by unregulated online gambling platforms.

“So far, more than 7,800 illegal betting and gambling websites have been taken down, with a sharp rise in enforcement after the passage of the Online Gaming Act,” a senior official said.

President Droupadi Murmu had earlier approved The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, passed by Parliament in August last year. The law is aimed at curbing addiction, financial exploitation, and social distress caused by predatory digital gambling platforms that lure users with false promises of quick wealth.

A government statement noted that online money gaming has already caused serious harm in several cases — with families losing savings, young people falling into addiction, and some tragic instances of suicide linked to gambling debt.

Officials pointed out that the World Health Organization recognises “gaming disorder” as a mental health condition, describing it as compulsive play marked by loss of control and neglect of daily responsibilities.

While cracking down on illegal platforms, the government has also stressed that the Act seeks to balance regulation with innovation. It encourages e-sports, safe online educational games, and socially constructive digital entertainment.

The law clearly distinguishes between legitimate online gaming and exploitative betting platforms, aiming to create a safer digital ecosystem while supporting India’s growing tech and gaming industry.

The Centre has indicated that further actions against illegal betting networks will continue in the coming months as part of a broader strategy to make India’s cyberspace safer and more accountable.