India has blocked more than 300 illegal gambling platforms, taking the total to 8,400

Indian authorities announced the blocking of more than 300 illegal websites and mobile apps linked to gambling and betting. The total number of blocked platforms reached 8,400, with around 4,900 of them shut down after the new sector-specific law came into force.

Official statement from Hyderabad

The blocking was carried out under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. As authorities from Hyderabad reported, the action applied to both websites and mobile apps through which users were offered illegal gambling and betting services.

The law was passed by parliament last year and took effect after receiving presidential assent from President Droupadi Murmu. Since the document came into force, around 4,900 platforms have been blocked, and the cumulative figure over the entire enforcement drive has reached 8,400 platforms.

Which services made the blacklist

Illegal platforms linked to online betting and casinos were targeted. The list of blocked categories is as follows:

• online sports betting
• casino games (slots, roulette, live-dealer tables)
• P2P betting exchanges
• satta-matka networks
• real-money card games

A nationwide ban with no exceptions

The 2025 law establishes a nationwide ban on online games for money (real-money gambling). Crucially, the ban applies regardless of whether a game is based on skill, chance, or a combination of both. At the same time, the stated aim of the new legislation is to foster innovation in esports and social games. This may lead to the growth of the Indian gaming market in the near future.

Tightening control over payments

A layered enforcement mechanism has been deployed to curb the activities of illegal operators. Advertising, promotion, and any facilitation of such games are prohibited in any form. Banks and payment service providers are prohibited from processing transactions linked to such platforms. In addition, the authorities retain the power to block services under the IT Act, 2000.

Prison terms and multi-million-rupee fines for violators

Parliament has provided tough sanctions for organizing illegal platforms:

• for a first offense, violators face up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to 1 crore rupees
• for a repeat offense, a minimum of three years’ imprisonment is imposed, extendable to five years, and the fine ranges from 1 to 2 crore rupees

Separate penalties apply for advertising and promoting illegal platforms. Violators face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 50 lakh rupees, and for repeat cases the law provides for even tougher measures.

Youth, celebrities, and national security

Among the key motives for tightening enforcement, the authorities cite aggressive digital marketing and celebrity endorsements in promoting illegal platforms, which is particularly effective at drawing in young people. Young people are also attracted by ease of use — many sports betting platforms offer their own mobile apps. This model works not only in India but also in other countries with a high share of young people and steady growth in the number of people who use smartphones.

This is mainly Africa, where about 60% of the population are young people under the age of 25. A telling example is Zambia — an exceptionally young country even by African standards. People under 25 account for about 65% of the population. At the same time, the country is seeing strong interest in sports betting, and more specifically, young people are paying attention to best betting apps. This fits into the broader trend of strong interest in mobile betting apps in developing countries, including India. From a regulator’s perspective, the main drawback of this trend is that it is harder to block a mobile app, and easier to circumvent such blocks.

According to government estimates, such services have already led to significant financial losses among users, have taken a toll on mental health, and have triggered family conflicts. An additional argument was the risks to national security, public order, and the integrity of the country’s financial system.

Blocking will continue, and esports will receive support

The authorities stated their intention to continue blocking and tighten control over the illegal segment. At the same time, the government plans to promote esports and educational games as legal alternatives capable of creating new employment opportunities and developing young people’s skills. The strategic goal is framed as building a safer and more regulated digital entertainment industry.