India Blocks 242 Illegal Betting Sites Post-PROG Act
The Indian authorities have recently blocked 242 additional websites engaged in illegal gambling and betting, pushing the total number of blocked platforms beyond 7,800. This action follows the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, which effectively ends online money gaming in India and aims to protect users from unsafe sites.
Enforcement Accelerates Post-PROG Act
Since the PROG Act came into effect, enforcement against operators running unlawful online money gaming platforms has intensified. The latest round of 242 blocked sites contributes to the growing total, reflecting the government’s commitment to cutting off revenue streams for illegal operations.
Prioritizing Player Safety
Officials stress that blocking these platforms is part of wider efforts to safeguard users, particularly younger individuals, from the financial and social risks of unregulated betting. By restricting access to unsafe websites, the authorities aim to reduce potential monetary losses linked to illegal gaming.
Link to Regulatory Framework
This crackdown coincides with ongoing efforts to develop rules under the PROG Act. Draft PROG Rules, released in October 2025, remain under public consultation and have yet to be formally approved. Meanwhile, the Act itself prohibits online money gaming, providing the legal foundation for immediate enforcement while guiding future regulatory oversight.
Sustained Action Against Illegal Platforms
The total number of blocked sites exceeding 7,800 illustrates the government’s growing resolve to address illicit betting. Each batch, including the latest 242, reinforces protective measures against platforms exploiting users, emphasizing both economic and social safeguards.
Next Steps for Compliance
Finalization of the PROG Rules will provide clear guidance for permissible forms of online gaming and ongoing compliance measures. In the meantime, authorities continue immediate interventions, signaling that India’s approach to online betting enforcement combines urgent protective actions with longer-term regulatory planning.
