India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology reported that 8,376 URLs associated with online gambling and betting were blocked by March 28, 2026. The information was disclosed on April 1st in response to a Lok Sabha inquiry regarding offshore digital platforms. This action follows the implementation of the Online Gaming Act, 2025, which prohibits online money gaming, marking a significant regulatory step by the Indian government to curb online gambling activities.
The Online Gaming Act, 2025 has been instrumental in the recent surge in enforcement, leading to the blocking of over 4,800 URLs since its enactment. The legislative framework includes the IT Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021, which require intermediaries, including offshore platforms, to adhere to due diligence practices and refrain from hosting illegal content. These measures are part of a broader effort by the government to tackle the challenges posed by online betting and gambling.
In addition to these regulations, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, criminalizes unauthorized gambling activities, imposing penalties that range from one to seven years of imprisonment, coupled with fines. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 further bans online money gaming and related financial transactions and advertising. The Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, also plays a role by imposing a 28% GST on such activities, with the Directorate General of GST Intelligence working to block unregistered or offshore gambling sites.
Despite these regulatory measures, the effectiveness of the bans remains questionable. A December 2025 study by CUTS International in the Delhi NCR area revealed that usage of online betting platforms increased from 68.3% to 82% following the ban, with daily access soaring from 3.4% to 42.3%. The study also indicated that users were spending more time and money on these platforms, finding ways to bypass restrictions through mirror domains and domestic payment methods, such as UPI.
Another survey in Tamil Nadu conducted in January 2026 showed a 15.2% increase in offshore platform use post-ban, reflecting a persistent issue across different regions despite the stricter legal framework. This highlights the challenges faced by regulators in fully preventing access to offshore gambling sites, even with enhanced enforcement.
The magnitude of offshore gambling was underscored during a MediaNama panel discussion in September 2025 about the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. Dhruv Garg, a partner at IGAP, estimated the offshore gaming market to be worth $20 billion. He noted that this represents a significant loss of revenue for the country, with tax evasion in the sector surpassing $4 billion, a figure that overshadows the earnings of the domestic industry.
Although the Indian government’s efforts to restrict access to online betting and gambling sites continue, the resilience of offshore platforms highlights the limitations of URL blocking as a standalone solution. The ongoing accessibility of these platforms suggests that the issue will remain a focus for regulators as they explore additional measures to combat illegal online gambling.
Moving forward, authorities may need to consider enhancing technological and strategic approaches to effectively clamp down on offshore access. This could involve international cooperation, advanced monitoring techniques, and stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance and protect domestic economic interests. The situation will likely undergo further scrutiny as the government aims to uphold its regulatory framework in the face of evolving digital challenges.
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