The Central Government on Tuesday blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling website links as part of intensified enforcement actions taken after the passage of the Online Gaming Act, government sources said. The move is aimed at curbing the growing threat posed by illegal online betting and gambling platforms, which have caused serious financial and social harm across the country. 

According to official sources, the action reflects the Government’s strong commitment to protecting users, especially young people, from the harmful effects of illegal online betting and gambling. “They said that action taken today reflects the Government's commitment to protect users especially youth, and to curb financial and social harm caused by illegal online betting and gambling platforms,” a source stated. 

The blocking of these 242 links is part of a larger nationwide crackdown. Officials revealed that thousands of such platforms have already been taken down. “So far, over 7,800 illegal betting and gambling websites have been taken down, with a significant increase in enforcement actions after the passage of the Online Gaming Act,” the source said. This highlights the scale of the problem and the seriousness with which the Government is addressing it. 

The strengthened action follows the enactment of The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill after it was passed by Parliament in August last year. The legislation marked a decisive step towards regulating the online gaming space and protecting citizens from the dangers of illegal money-based games. 

According to the Government, the law was introduced to deal with the rising cases of addiction, financial losses and social distress caused by unregulated and predatory online gaming platforms. “The legislation is designed to curb addiction, financial ruin and social distress caused by predatory gaming platforms that thrive on misleading promises of quick wealth,” an official release said. It further added that the Act “reflects the Government's resolve to safeguard families while guiding the digital economy towards safe and constructive growth.” 

The issue of gaming addiction is not limited to India alone and is recognised globally. The release pointed out that the World Health Organisation has classified gaming disorder as a health condition in its International Classification of Diseases. It describes gaming disorder as a pattern of behaviour marked by loss of control over gaming, neglect of other daily activities, and continued gaming despite harmful consequences. 

Officials also highlighted the real-life impact of illegal online money gaming platforms. “The release said online money gaming platforms have caused widespread harm. Families have lost their savings. Young people have fallen into addiction,” it said. In some tragic cases, financial distress linked to these games has even resulted in suicides. The Government acknowledged these dangers and responded by strengthening regulation and enforcement. 

At the same time, the Act does not discourage all forms of online gaming. Instead, it seeks to strike a balance by recognising the online gaming sector as a fast-growing part of the digital and creative economy. The sector offers opportunities for innovation, cognitive development, employment generation, technological advancement and global competitiveness. 

The law encourages e-sports, defined as organised competitive video games, and promotes safe online social and educational games. Importantly, it clearly separates constructive digital recreation from betting, gambling and fantasy money games that exploit users through false promises of easy profits. Through this balanced approach, the Government aims to ensure user safety while supporting responsible growth in the online gaming industry.