India Intensifies Action Against Illegal Gambling, Blocks 242 More Betting Websites Under Online Gaming Law

Indian authorities have stepped up their crackdown on illegal online gambling by blocking a further 242 betting and wagering websites, bringing the total number of restricted platforms to more than 7,800 nationwide.

The latest move underscores a marked intensification of enforcement efforts following the introduction of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, which bans online money gaming throughout the country.

According to government officials, the ongoing blocking campaign is intended to cut off revenue streams for unlawful operators while at the same time reducing the risks faced by users who access unregulated gambling platforms. Regulators have consistently raised concerns about the potential for financial losses, weak data protection, and exposure to unsafe or exploitative gambling environments. Protecting younger users has become a key priority, with authorities focusing on limiting access to platforms believed to have a disproportionate impact on youth.

The implementation of the PROG Act has significantly altered enforcement priorities, triggering more forceful action against websites attempting to bypass the nationwide prohibition on online money gaming. Since the law came into effect, the pace of takedowns has increased sharply, reflecting a broader shift toward tighter supervision and a zero-tolerance stance toward operators that fail to comply with the new legal framework.

These enforcement measures are unfolding alongside wider regulatory developments in the online gaming sector. In October 2025, the central government issued draft PROG Rules for public consultation, setting out a proposed framework to govern permissible online gaming activities. However, the draft rules have not yet received final approval, leaving certain aspects of the regulatory environment unresolved.

In the absence of finalized rules, authorities are relying heavily on blocking websites and restricting access as their primary tools to curb illegal gambling activity. Officials have described this strategy as a necessary interim step to prevent further harm to consumers while the broader regulatory framework continues to take shape.

With the list of blocked platforms continuing to grow, the government has sent a clear signal that enforcement will remain firm as India seeks to reshape and regulate its online gaming sector within a controlled and legally defined structure.

By fLEXI tEAM