Centre bans 242 illegal betting and gambling websites; nearly 8,000 platforms blocked so far: Reports

NEW DELHI: The government on Friday reportedly blocked access to over 200 illegal betting and gambling websites under the Online Gaming Act, which came into force in October 2025.“The Government of India on Friday blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling website links. So far, more than 7,800 such platforms have been taken down, with enforcement action intensifying after the Online Gaming Act was passed,” government sources told news agency ANI.https://x.com/ANI/status/2012143444286972269?s=20They added that the latest crackdown underscores the government’s commitment to protecting users, especially the youth, and to curbing the financial and social harm caused by illegal online betting and gambling platforms.

In August last year, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the legislation after it was passed by both Houses of Parliament, bringing it into force. The law seeks to promote e-sports and social online games while banning harmful money-based gaming, along with their promotion and related financial transactions.Players themselves will not be penalised for participating in money-based online games. Instead, action will be taken against service providers, advertisers, promoters and those financing such platforms.The online gaming rules came into effect on October 1 last year.