India blocks 1,410 illegal gambling websites since 2022 as crackdown intensifies

India has blocked 1,410 illegal online gambling platforms since 2022 as part of a broader crackdown on unauthorized betting, the government said in Parliament. The move is part of efforts to regulate the rapidly growing online gaming industry and curb illicit financial transactions.  

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued directives to block access to these platforms over the past three years.  

"MeitY has issued 1,410 blocking directions related to online betting/gambling/gaming websites between the years 2022-25," Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.  

The government has also introduced strict financial regulations, including a 30% income tax on net winnings from online games, effective from the 2024-25 assessment year, and a 28% GST on online gaming from October 1, 2023.  

To further tighten control, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) has been empowered to block unregistered offshore online gambling platforms, ensuring compliance under the IT Act and IGST Act.  

Betting and gambling remain state subjects under Entry 34 of the State List in the Indian Constitution, meaning state governments have the authority to regulate and enforce gambling laws.  

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which took effect on July 1, 2024, imposes jail terms ranging from one to seven years, along with fines, for unauthorized betting and gambling activities.  

Additionally, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has been set up to assist law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in combating cybercrimes, including online gambling-related frauds. Citizens can report such offenses via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or through the toll-free helpline (1930).  

The government is also tightening restrictions on gambling advertisements. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed private television channels to adhere to the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) guidelines regarding gaming ads.  

"Every gaming advertisement must carry the disclaimer in line with ASCI code… indicating that this game involves an element of financial risk and may be addictive," a government spokesperson said.  

Despite these measures, gambling ads have surged on digital platforms, with the ASCI reporting a significant increase in December 2024.  

As India moves to regulate its online gaming sector, the government continues to assess further measures to enhance financial oversight, protect consumer data, and prevent gambling addiction. However, with online gaming revenues booming, enforcement agencies face an ongoing challenge in cracking down on unauthorized platforms.