Centre Blocks 242 Illegal Betting Websites Under Online Gaming Act

Centre Blocks 242 Illegal Betting Websites as Crackdown Under Online Gaming Law Intensifies

The Central government has stepped up its enforcement against illegal online betting and gambling platforms, reportedly blocking 242 website links on January 16, 2026 . Government sources indicated that the action is part of a broader nationwide drive under the Online Gaming Act , which came into force in October 2025, to curb financial fraud, addiction risks, and social harm—particularly among young users.

The enforcement reflects the Centre’s growing focus on regulating India’s rapidly expanding digital gaming ecosystem.

Fresh Blocking Order Signals Wider Enforcement Push

According to official sources, the latest blocking order adds to a cumulative total of over 7,800 illegal betting and gambling platforms taken down so far. Authorities noted that many of these platforms are operated by offshore or unregulated entities that continue to target Indian users through mirror websites, proxy domains, and cloned mobile applications , making enforcement an ongoing challenge.

The repeated takedowns indicate a shift towards sustained, high-frequency monitoring rather than one-time actions.

What the Online Gaming Act Regulates

The Online Gaming Act , effective from October 1, 2025 , seeks to create a clear regulatory distinction between permissible online games such as e-sports and social gaming, and prohibited money-based betting and gambling services . The law also restricts advertising, promotion, and facilitation of unlawful gaming activities.

A key feature of the framework is that it places the compliance burden on platforms and digital intermediaries , rather than criminalising individual users, thereby focusing enforcement on systemic enablers.

Focus on Platforms, Promoters, and Financial Networks

Reports suggest that players participating in money-based online games will not face penal action under the law. Instead, enforcement is aimed at service providers, advertisers, promoters, payment facilitators, and financial backers associated with illegal gaming operations.

By targeting money trails, influencer-style promotions, and opaque revenue channels, authorities aim to dismantle the broader ecosystem that sustains unlawful betting activities rather than pursuing end-users.

Consumer Protection at the Core of the Crackdown

Officials have framed the crackdown as a consumer protection measure, citing risks such as addiction, data exploitation, and financial losses linked to unregulated online gambling. The rapid re-emergence of blocked platforms under new identities has highlighted the need for faster takedown mechanisms , tighter coordination with payment networks, and closer oversight of digital advertising channels.

The sustained enforcement drive underscores the Centre’s intent to balance innovation in online gaming with public interest safeguards.

Exam-Focused Points

• Online Gaming Act came into force on October 1, 2025 .

• 242 illegal betting and gambling links reportedly blocked on January 16, 2026.

• Total platforms blocked so far exceed 7,800 .

• Law promotes e-sports and social gaming while prohibiting money-based gambling.