Government Blocks 242 Illegal Betting and Gambling Website Links
The Government has blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling website links as part of a wider crackdown that has already taken down over 7,800 platforms. The enforcement drive has intensified after the Online Gaming Act, which provides a clearer legal framework to act against illegal operators. The move aims to protect users, especially youth, from financial losses, addiction, and social harm. Authorities are adopting technology-driven monitoring and coordinated digital enforcement to curb illegal online betting and safeguard India’s digital ecosystem.
Key Details of the Ban
- Total Takedowns: To date, more than 7,800 illegal websites and links have been blocked under this category.
- Legal Authority: The government utilized powers under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which allows for the restriction of access to content deemed harmful or illegal.
- Enforcement Focus: Under the new 2025 Act, the government targets service providers, advertisers, and promoters rather than individual players.
- Penalties: Operating illegal money gaming services can result in jail terms of up to three years and fines up to ₹1 crore. Advertising these platforms can lead to two years of imprisonment and a ₹50 lakh fine.