India Ramps Up Action Against Illegal Online Gambling with Over 1,500 Blocking Orders

Download IPFS

In a concerted effort to foster a secure and trustworthy online environment, the Indian government has issued over 1,500 blocking directions against online betting and gambling platforms since 2022. Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology (MoS IT), informed Parliament on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, that these measures are part of a broader strategy to ensure an “open, safe, trusted, and accountable internet” for all users.

From 2022 until June 2025, a total of 1,524 blocking orders were issued targeting online betting, gambling, and gaming websites and mobile applications. This significant number highlights the government’s proactive stance against unregulated online gaming, which often poses risks to consumers and can facilitate illicit financial activities.

The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) Headquarters plays a crucial role in this initiative. It is empowered under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act, 2017, to direct internet service providers and other intermediaries to block access to unregistered online money gaming platforms. This includes offshore platforms that operate without adhering to Indian tax regulations. Suppliers of online money gaming are mandated to obtain a single registration under a simplified scheme as per the IGST Act, 2017.

While “betting and gambling” falls under the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution, making state legislatures primarily responsible for related laws and enforcement, the Central Government supplements these efforts. MoS IT Prasada noted that the Central Government provides advisories and financial assistance to states and union territories for capacity building within their law enforcement agencies.

This crackdown comes amidst growing concerns over the proliferation of illegal online gambling platforms and their impact on citizens. These platforms often leverage digital advertising on major platforms to reach Indian users, sometimes through surrogate advertising that disguises their true nature. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also investigating tech giants Google and Meta in connection with money laundering linked to illegal online betting and gambling sites, underscoring the serious nature of the issue.

The government’s consistent action, coupled with ongoing investigations and regulatory frameworks like the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, demonstrates a firm commitment to curbing illegal online gambling and safeguarding users. The ongoing efforts signal a sustained push to bring greater transparency and accountability to the digital landscape.