Sun Mar 23 00:12:00 UTC 2025: ## Indian Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Offshore Online Gaming

**New Delhi, March 23, 2025** – Indian authorities have launched a major crackdown on illegal offshore online gaming platforms, blocking hundreds of websites and freezing millions of rupees in bank accounts. The Finance Ministry announced on Saturday that the Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI) has blocked 357 websites and seized nearly ₹126 crore (approximately $15 million USD) from nearly 2,400 bank accounts linked to these operations.

The DGGI is investigating approximately 700 offshore online gaming companies for evading Goods and Services Tax (GST) by failing to register, concealing income, and employing “mule” bank accounts to obscure transactions. 166 such mule accounts have been blocked. Three individuals operating platforms like Satguru, Mahakaal, and Abhi247 Online Money Gaming platforms from outside India have been arrested, with further investigations ongoing.

The Ministry warned the public against engaging with these unregulated platforms, highlighting the endorsement of these sites by Bollywood celebrities, cricketers, and social media influencers. These endorsements, the Ministry stated, mask the risk to personal finances and potential links to illicit activities that threaten national security.

Online money gaming is subject to a 28% GST in India, and operators are required to register. With the upcoming IPL season, the Ministry anticipates increased enforcement to combat illegal gaming activities and ensure fair competition within the market. The Ministry emphasizes that the non-compliance of foreign entities harms local businesses and distorts the market. These companies frequently create new web addresses to circumvent restrictions.

Read More