India blocks over 1,500 illegal gambling sites in crackdown
India has blocked 1,524 gambling and betting websites and mobile apps since 2022 as part of its continued crackdown on illegal online gaming platforms. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), under Government of India, informed the , lower house of the parliament on 23 July that blocking directions had been issued until June 2025.
The blocking orders were issued to tackle platforms that operate without complying with Indian tax laws or local regulations. The move reflects rising concern over the spread of offshore betting sites targeting Indian users.
Blocking orders cross 1,500
Minister of State for MeitY Jitin Prasada, in a written reply to a question by TDP MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti, confirmed that the government had directed the blocking of 1,524 illegal websites and mobile applications related to betting, gambling and gaming from 2022 to June 2025.
Earlier, in February 2025, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had revealed that 1,410 such platforms had already been blocked by that point. The recent figures indicate a rise in enforcement actions within the last few months.
Offshore platforms under scanner
The crackdown comes amid growing scrutiny of offshore gambling operators that are not registered in India. These platforms often bypass Indian tax requirements and legal norms while continuing to serve users across the country.
Under the Information Technology (IT) Act and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) has been authorised to instruct intermediaries to block access to non-compliant gaming platforms.
Foreign-based gaming companies must register under the IGST Act to operate in India. Failure to do so can result in their platforms being blocked.
As per current regulations, all online gaming, including games involving betting, attracts a Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate of 28 percent.
Use of digital advertising under investigation
The government noted that many of the blocked platforms had been using digital advertising to target Indian users. These ads are often run on major platforms like Google and Meta, sometimes through surrogate advertising that hides the real nature of the business.
In a related development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a law enforcement and economic intelligence agency of the Government of India has summoned executives from Google and Meta as part of its ongoing investigation into money laundering linked to illegal betting platforms.
The ED is probing how these platforms used online ads to promote their services and is expected to record the statements of the executives under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on July 28.
Union government supports state-level action
While the union government did not provide a list of the blocked platforms or a state-wise breakdown, it said that it continues to support states and Union Territories in dealing with illegal online gaming activities.
This support includes issuing advisories, offering training programmes and extending financial aid under various schemes to strengthen local law enforcement agencies.
“The policies of the central government are aimed at ensuring an open, safe, trusted and accountable internet for its users,” Jitin Prasada said.
