India shuts 242 illegal betting and gambling websites under online gaming law
Summary
India has blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling websites as part of ongoing enforcement under the new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA), which came into force on 1 October 2025. The latest action brings the total number of sites blocked to more than 7,800, according to government sources.
The crackdown focuses on platforms offering real-money wagering, while PROGA continues to permit esports and social online games that do not involve money wagering, subject to guidelines. Authorities say enforcement targets operators, advertisers, promoters and financial backers rather than players.
PROGA establishes a National Online Gaming Commission for licensing, compliance and grievance redressal, and creates a uniform national regulatory framework that overrides earlier state-level rules. Officials warned about evasive tactics used by illegal operators, such as rapid URL switching and mule bank accounts to move funds offshore. Former executives estimate illegal betting volumes in India at hundreds of crores of rupees per month, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Key Points
- The government blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling websites in the latest enforcement round, raising the total to over 7,800 sites blocked.
- Actions follow the PROGA law (effective 1 October 2025), which bans real-money betting nationwide but permits esports and non-wager social games under rules.
- Enforcement is aimed at operators, advertisers, promoters and financiers; ordinary players are not being penalised, officials say.
- PROGA creates a National Online Gaming Commission to handle licensing, compliance and grievances and supersedes state-level regulation.
- Authorities face challenges such as URL switching and offshore platforms using mule bank accounts to obfuscate money flows.
- Industry estimates suggest illegal betting volumes run into hundreds of crores of rupees per month, underscoring widespread activity.
- Penalties under the law include fines and other legal measures intended to deter operators of unlawful platforms.
Context and Relevance
This is a significant regulatory development for the global online-gaming and payments industries. India has introduced a centralised national law that standardises oversight across states and establishes a dedicated regulator. For operators, platform providers, payment processors, advertisers and compliance teams, PROGA and the intensified enforcement materially change the risk environment in one of the world’s largest markets.
The story is also part of a broader trend: jurisdictions worldwide are tightening rules around online betting, money flows and advertising to protect consumers and curb illicit financial movement. The tactics used by illegal operators (URL switching, mule accounts) highlight operational and AML challenges that will be priorities for both regulators and private-sector compliance teams.
Author style
Punchy: This is not a small enforcement note — it’s a clear sign India means business on online betting. If you operate, supply or service any part of the gaming ecosystem, this shift deserves your immediate attention.
Why should I read this?
Quick take: India has rolled out a nationwide clampdown backed by a new law and a regulator. If you work in gaming, payments, advertising or compliance, this affects licensing, marketing rules and money-movement risks. We’ve read the detail so you don’t have to — but don’t ignore it if India matters to your business.