(AsiaGameHub) – India has blocked around 300 additional illegal betting and gambling websites and apps as officials continue to tighten enforcement of online gaming regulations.
Good to Know
- Authorities stated that the total number of blocked sites and apps has now reached approximately 8,400.
- Targeted platforms included sports betting sites, offshore casinos, betting exchanges, satta, matka, and real-money gaming apps.
- Current legislation prohibits online money games while still making room for esports and online social gaming.
A new round of enforcement in India has taken down roughly 300 illegal betting and gambling platforms, expanding on a far larger national blocking campaign already in operation. Officials noted that many operators were reaching users through mobile apps and mirror sites while operating without authorization.
Rather than focusing on a single market segment, authorities adopted a broad approach. The latest crackdown covered offshore casino sites offering games like slots and roulette, online sports betting platforms, peer-to-peer betting exchanges, and satta and matka networks. Real-money card and casino gaming apps were also part of the sweep.
Authorities report that around 8,400 illegal gambling and betting sites and applications have been blocked so far. The latest action aligns with a broader enforcement push that accelerated after the Online Gaming Act was passed last year.
Under this law, India imposed a sweeping ban on online money games. Games of chance are restricted, but so are games of skill and hybrid formats when money is involved. In practice, regulators are not distinguishing significantly between different formats if cash wagering is part of the activity.
The regulations extend beyond the games themselves. Advertising, promotion, and facilitation are prohibited, and financial channels linked to the platforms face restrictions as well. Banks and payment systems are barred from processing related payments, giving regulators another avenue to pressure illegal operators out of the market.
Meanwhile, the policy framework retains space for sectors the government aims to support. Esports and online social gaming remain part of this focus, with officials emphasizing innovation and growth in these categories over money-based gambling products.
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