242 Illegal Betting and Gambling Websites Blocked as Government Tightens Online Crackdown
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NEW DELHI: The Union government on Friday said it has blocked 242 “illegal betting and gambling” websites, taking the total number of such sites blocked so far to 7,800, officials confirmed on January 16, 2026. The latest action comes amid growing concerns that illegal and offshore operators have stepped in after India imposed a blanket ban on real money gaming.
All forms of real money gaming and online gambling were outlawed under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which bans any online game where users deposit money with the expectation of winning or losing it. The law was passed swiftly in Parliament last year and marked a sharp policy shift for the sector.
The ban had drawn criticism from former industry executives and legal experts, who had warned that a total prohibition could push users towards unregulated offshore betting platforms rather than eliminate wagering altogether. Those concerns now appear to be reflected in enforcement data, with authorities continuing to block hundreds of new sites even months after the law came into force.
Illegal Operators Fill the Vacuum
After legitimate real money gaming companies wound down operations, wagering activity is believed to have shifted largely to illegal and offshore platforms. While official estimates on user traffic are not available, former industry representatives, speaking anonymously, have suggested that illegal betting volumes could run into hundreds of crores of rupees every month, even under conservative assumptions.
Industry-funded studies conducted before the ban had already flagged the rapid growth of illegal platforms. These sites attracted users by avoiding goods and services tax and operating with little to no regulatory oversight, unlike licensed domestic operators.
Enforcement Faces Technical Challenges
Despite blocking thousands of websites, authorities face mounting challenges in curbing illegal online betting. A 2025 report by policy consultancy Digital India Foundation noted that enforcement agencies are struggling with tactics such as “URL switching,” where operators rapidly shift their platforms to new domain names to evade blocks.
In 2024 alone, the government had targeted over 1,000 URLs linked to illegal betting and gambling. However, officials acknowledge that blocking access is often temporary, as operators reappear under different web addresses within days.
Money Trails and Mule Accounts
Another major concern flagged by officials and policy experts is the use of so-called “mule” bank accounts, often registered in the names of ordinary Indian citizens. These accounts are used to collect wagers and quickly siphon funds out of the country, making recovery and enforcement significantly harder for authorities.
Once money moves offshore, tracing transactions and initiating legal action becomes complex, especially when operators are based in jurisdictions beyond Indian regulatory reach.
Continuing Crackdown Likely
Government officials indicated that the blocking of illegal betting and gambling platforms will continue as part of a broader effort to enforce the 2025 gaming law. However, experts say long-term solutions may require stronger financial monitoring, coordination with global regulators, and public awareness to reduce demand for illegal platforms.
Our Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The blocking of 242 illegal betting websites highlights the scale of the challenge facing authorities after the blanket ban on real money gaming. While enforcement actions show intent, the persistence of offshore platforms suggests that demand has not disappeared—it has merely shifted. Technology-driven evasion, mule accounts, and cross-border money flows make this a complex problem that cannot be solved through website blocking alone. A combination of financial surveillance, international cooperation, and clearer consumer awareness may be essential if the government wants to truly curb illegal online betting rather than chase it across changing URLs