Fri Jan 16 16:29:18 UTC 2026: # India Blocks Hundreds of “Illegal Betting and Gambling” Sites Amidst Gaming Law Controversy
The Story:
The Indian government has intensified its crackdown on online betting and gambling, blocking 242 additional websites on Friday, January 16, 2026. This action brings the total number of such blocked sites to 7,800. The move is a direct consequence of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, a controversial law that effectively bans all real money gaming and gambling activities in the country. The law’s swift passage through Parliament surprised industry stakeholders who warned against a total ban, anticipating the rise of unregulated offshore platforms.
Key Points:
- The Union government blocked 242 “illegal betting and gambling” sites on January 16, 2026.
- The total number of blocked sites under this category now stands at 7,800.
- The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, bans all games involving real money deposits with the possibility of winning or losing.
- Industry experts warned the total ban would lead to a rise in offshore and illegal betting platforms.
- Illegal platforms operate without GST and lack oversight.
- Operators evade detection through “URL switching.”
- Funds are siphoned out of the country via “mule” accounts.
Critical Analysis:
The timing of this intensified crackdown, coinciding with numerous sports betting related news articles, suggests a proactive effort by the government to curb illegal betting activities particularly around popular sporting events. The related news articles highlight opportunities for betting, which the Indian government seems determined to control within its regulatory framework by blocking access to alternative platforms.
Key Takeaways:
- The Indian government is aggressively enforcing its ban on real money gaming and gambling.
- The ban is driving users to illegal offshore platforms, which are difficult to regulate.
- “URL switching” and “mule” accounts are being used to circumvent the ban.
- The government faces a significant challenge in effectively controlling online gambling activities.
- The future of online gaming in India remains uncertain, with potential implications for the economy and entertainment landscape.
Impact Analysis:
The blocking of gambling websites will likely have the immediate effect of disrupting the habits of many Indian users. However, the long-term consequences could be multifaceted. Firstly, the underground gambling market might flourish, making it harder to monitor and control betting activities. Secondly, the government could face revenue losses from taxes that were previously collected on legal gaming platforms. Thirdly, this move could influence other countries considering regulations on online gaming. The success or failure of India’s approach could set a precedent for global online gaming policies.
First Piper 