The Union Government of India has blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling websites as part of a wider initiative to crack down on providers of online games of chance. The enforcement drive follows the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA) in India. Officials claim that the crackdown aims to restrict illegal operations and protect consumers, especially the younger generation, from the dangers of gambling harm.
India Blocks 242 Illegal Gambling Websites, Taking the Total Up to 7,800: Highlights of the Story
- India’s Union Government has blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling websites in a single day. Officials explain that the measure ensures stronger enforcement following the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA), 2025.
- Authorities claim that over 7,800 illegal betting and gambling websites have been taken down since PROGA took effect. The government claims that the crackdown aims to protect users, especially young adults, from financial losses and wider social harm.
- The law is designed to separate legal online games and esports from illegal money-based gambling and betting. Enforcement focuses on service providers, advertisers, and financial backers, including offshore operators, rather than individual players.
India Blocks 242 Illegal Gambling Sites in One Day
The Government of India has blocked 242 illegal gambling sites in a single day. According to local media reports, India’s law enforcement agencies took down the illicit platforms in a major crackdown on Thursday, January 15. The action was part of an enforcement drive following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, also known as PROGA.
Authorities claim that the move reflects the government’s commitment to protecting consumers, especially minors and vulnerable individuals, and reducing financial and social harm linked to illegal platforms. India introduced a complete prohibition order on online gambling operations on August 22, 2025, bringing a flourishing industry to a grinding halt.
Industry stakeholders have filed separate lawsuits requesting that the judiciary temporarily halt the implementation of PROGA. Operators cite widespread job losses and heavy financial losses, urging lawmakers to regulate the sector rather than prohibit operations. The matter is currently being heard at the Supreme Court.
Authorities have confirmed blocking over 7,800 illegal gambling sites since PROGA took effect in 2025. The latest enforcement marks one of the largest single-day actions reported in India so far. Officials described the law as a major step toward controlling online money games while supporting other forms of online gaming.
The official statement reads:
So far, over 7,800 illegal betting and gambling websites have been taken down, with a significant increase in enforcement actions after the passage of the Online Gaming Act.
The official statement further explains that the law was introduced to address the growing risks associated with real-money games (RMGs) online. The law reflects the Government’s intention to protect families while supporting safe digital growth.
The statement continued:
The legislation is designed to curb addiction, financial ruin and social distress caused by predatory gaming platforms that thrive on misleading promises of quick wealth.
Enforcement Targets Service Providers and Offshore Operators
Authorities state that the new gambling framework has introduced clearer action against illegal operators. Before the law took effect, India’s online gambling market was flooded with offshore gaming companies operating without legal oversight. Following the blanket ban on gambling in India, offshore gambling platforms have diverted their attention to Nepal, where local authorities have witnessed a surge in illicit remote gaming activity.
Lawmakers in India claim that the updated regulation has enabled a more systematic approach to identifying and blocking illegal gambling sites from being accessed locally. A key part of the strategy is to target what officials described as the “supply side” of the gambling ecosystem.
Under the current legislation, enforcement is focused on service providers, advertisers, and financial backers rather than individual players. Lawmakers explain that “this strategy is designed to cut off the oxygen to these illegal entities by targeting their marketing and payment channels.” Last week, Google India announced that it will soon update its advertisement policies to comply with local gambling restrictions.
Authorities have also highlighted the impact on young users, which is a core concern. The official statement explained that online RMG platforms cause widespread harm, including addiction and financial distress. It noted that, “in some heartbreaking cases, financial distress linked to these games has even led to suicides.”
Officials added that many of the impacted websites were offshore entities operating without accountability or grievance redressal systems. The government reiterates that the new law aims to support legal forms of digital gaming while restricting betting and gambling activities.
India’s Union Government recognises online gaming as a growing part of the digital economy and encourages legitimate esports and safe social and educational games. By blocking 242 illegal gambling platforms in a single day, lawmakers have reiterated their commitment to reinforcing enforcement against unregulated betting and gambling operations targeting local consumers.