New Delhi: The Centre launched a major online betting crackdown, blocking 242 betting and gambling websites as part of a nationwide effort to curb illegal digital gambling activities.
The Union government said it also initiated action against nearly 8,000 websites that promoted online betting and gambling across India. Officials stated that many such platforms targeted young users and pushed them into addiction and financial distress. Therefore, the Centre decided to tighten enforcement to contain the growing social threat.
Authorities observed that online betting caused severe financial losses among youth. As a result, families slipped into debt and several households faced economic hardship. Officials said these developments turned illegal gambling into a serious social issue, prompting urgent government intervention.
To protect vulnerable sections, especially young people, the Centre stepped up monitoring and enforcement. Officials added that unchecked betting platforms undermined social stability and economic security.
Online betting crackdown backed by law and digital surveillance
The government introduced the Online Gaming Act, 2023, in October last year to regulate the sector. Under the law, authorities banned cash-linked games and imposed strict controls on real-money gaming. Consequently, several platforms discontinued real-money services after the rules came into effect.
Companies such as WinZO and Nazara Technologies suspended real-money games in compliance with the new regulations. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology intensified digital surveillance to track illegal betting platforms.
Officials monitored websites operating from both domestic and foreign servers. They also tracked platforms that promoted online betting through social media and digital advertisements. Based on these findings, authorities initiated action against thousands of websites.
The Centre said surveillance efforts would continue to identify new illegal betting operations. Officials reiterated that further steps would follow to prevent the spread of online betting and gambling activities that threaten youth welfare and social order.
