Jitin Prasada, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology in India, reported that the country’s IT ministry issued 694 blocking directions from 2022 to 2024. These directions targeted online betting, gambling, and gaming platforms. This initiative is part of India’s ongoing effort to combat illegal online gambling and gaming. Authorities are concerned about the impact of these activities on citizens, particularly the youth.
The blocking directives target various online platforms, including websites and mobile apps that offer illegal betting or gambling services. However, the actual number of websites and apps blocked may exceed the number of orders issued. One blocking order can cover multiple URLs or apps. Therefore, the total number of affected platforms could be greater than 694.
In one high-profile case, India’s IT ministry took action against the online betting and gambling platform Mahadev Book Online in November of the previous year. The platform is currently under investigation in connection with a money laundering case in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. Authorities say the platform ran illegal gambling operations, allegedly operated by a criminal syndicate led by Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal. The syndicate is accused of laundering money from illegal betting activities through complex financial networks. These included hawala transactions and offshore accounts.
These efforts by the IT ministry highlight growing concerns over the unchecked spread of online gambling platforms. These platforms often operate without proper regulation or oversight. As online betting becomes more accessible through mobile phones and websites, the Indian government has stepped up its efforts to curb illicit activities. The goal is to protect citizens from harm and safeguard the integrity of the country’s digital ecosystem.
