New Delhi, January 18, 2026:
The government has blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling website links, taking the total number of such online platforms shut down to over 7,800, officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)said on Friday.

The action is part of a nationwide crackdown on unlawful online gaming and betting platforms, which officials say has intensified following the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act. The law bans online money gaming across the country.

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Focus on User Protection, Especially Youth

Officials said the move is aimed at safeguarding users—particularly young people—from the financial, psychological, and social harm linked to illegal betting and gambling.

“Today’s action 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 MeitY official said.

Authorities have increasingly relied on coordination with internet service providers, digital platforms, and financial institutions to block access to prohibited gaming websites and apps.

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PROG Act Strengthens Enforcement

Enforcement efforts have gained momentum after the passage of the PROG Act, which provides a clear legal framework to distinguish between:

• Permissible skill-based online games and e-sports, and
• Illegal online money games involving betting, wagering, or cash-convertible winnings.

Any game offering monetary rewards or winnings that can be converted into cash is classified as an online money gameand is prohibited from operating in India.

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Draft Rules Await Final Notification

In October 2025, the Centre notified the draft PROG Rules, 2025 and invited public feedback. According to senior MeitY officials, the government received around 2,500 comments, though the final rules are yet to be notified.

There is currently no official timeline for when the rules will come into force.

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Proposed Online Gaming Authority

A key feature of the draft rules is the creation of the Online Gaming Authority of India, envisioned as the sector’s primary regulator. The authority will have powers similar to those of a civil court, including:

• Conducting inquiries
• Summoning individuals
• Issuing binding orders

Its responsibilities will include:

• Registering online social games and e-sports
• Maintaining a national list of approved games
• Determining whether a game is legal or banned
• Suspending or cancelling registrations
• Directing banks, ISPs, and platforms to block illegal gaming services

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Penalties Under the Law

The PROG Act prescribes stringent penalties:

• Offering online money gaming services can attract up to three years’ imprisonment and fines up to ₹1 crore
• Advertising illegal betting or gambling platforms may result in up to two years’ jail and fines up to ₹50 lakh

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Bigger Picture

With illegal online betting increasingly linked to financial fraud, addiction, and money laundering, the government’s actions signal a hardening stance against unregulated digital gambling. Officials say further blocks and enforcement measures are expected once the final rules under the PROG Act are notified.

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