Government of India blocks 242 illegal betting and gambling websites as Online Gaming Act enforcement intensifies
New Delhi: The Government of India on Friday blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling websites, taking the total number of taken-down platforms to over 7,800. Officials said enforcement actions have intensified following the passage of the Online Gaming Act, which came into force in October 2025.
According to government sources, the crackdown reflects the authorities’ commitment to protect users, especially youth, and to curb the financial and social harm caused by illegal online betting and gambling platforms.
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The Online Gaming Act, 2025, which received the President’s assent in August last year, aims to promote e-sports and social online games while banning harmful money-based gambling activities. Under the law, participants are not penalised for playing online games for money. Instead, the government targets service providers, advertisers, promoters, and financiers behind illegal platforms.
The law’s rules came into effect on October 1, 2025, and since then, authorities have systematically blocked thousands of illegal websites. The government said the latest action underscores its commitment to safe online gaming and protecting citizens from financial exploitation.
Published: 16 Jan 2026, 08:15 pm IST
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