New Delhi, India | January 16, 2026
In a significant crackdown on illegal online betting and gambling, the Government of India on Friday blocked 242 unlawful website links operating in violation of national regulations. According to official sources, the action is part of a broader push to curb the growing menace of illicit online betting platforms.
Government officials confirmed that more than 7,800 illegal betting and gambling websites have been taken down so far. The pace of enforcement has accelerated notably since the implementation of the newly enacted Online Gaming Act, which provides stronger legal tools to regulate online gaming and penalize unauthorized operators.
Goal: Protect Users, Especially Youth
Sources said the primary objective of the crackdown is to safeguard users—particularly young and vulnerable individuals—from online fraud, financial losses, addiction, and other risks associated with illegal betting activities.
Authorities emphasized that a combination of advanced technology and legal provisions is being deployed to track, identify, and disable unlawful platforms swiftly.
Crackdown to Continue
The government signaled that similar enforcement actions will continue in the coming months. Any illegal content or platforms related to online betting and gambling will face strict penalties, and those violating the rules will be held accountable.
Officials reiterated that the government will not tolerate financial crimes, fraud, or exploitation in the name of online entertainment.
