Offshore betting surges after India’s online gambling ban: Report | AGB
Summary
India’s new nationwide law banning real-money online gambling has pushed many users to unregulated offshore betting platforms, according to reporting by AFP cited by AGB. The legislation, passed in August, targeted online card games and fantasy sports — shutting down a billion-dollar sector and affecting hundreds of millions of users. Despite tougher penalties (up to five years’ jail), players are reportedly using VPNs and proxy payments to continue wagering on overseas sites. Major operators such as Dream11 have axed cash contests and withdrawn sponsorship deals, with knock-on effects for cricket advertising and broadcaster revenues.
Key Points
- The parliamentary ban covers online card games and fantasy sports, aiming to curb harms linked to betting.
- Enforcement has led many gamblers to access offshore, unregulated platforms using VPNs and proxy credit cards.
- Authorities cited concerns including addiction, fraud, money laundering and potential links to financing crime or terrorism.
- Dream11 removed cash contests and pulled a US$43m sponsorship with the BCCI, showing immediate commercial fallout.
- Industry analysts warn the ban could reduce advertising spend tied to fantasy platforms — potentially cutting up to 40% of some IPL broadcasters’ ad income and depressing media-rights valuations.
Context and relevance
The law was intended to cut betting-related harm and financial losses, but the rapid move of punters offshore highlights enforcement limits and the adaptability of online users. For stakeholders in gaming regulation, sports media, advertising and payments, this shift changes risk profiles: compliance, reputational and revenue risks move offshore and become harder to police. The development also feeds wider regional debates about how to balance consumer protection with realistic, enforceable regulation of digital services.
Why should I read this?
Look — if you care about gaming, cricket money or ad markets, this is the story that explains why cash is leaving the legal ecosystem and where the headaches will land. It’s short, it’s messy and it’ll affect ad revenues, sponsorships and how regulators chase offshore operators. We’ve skimmed the main pain points so you don’t have to.