India blocks over 1,000 gambling websites in 2024

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that the Indian government has significantly escalated its efforts to combat online gambling, with 1,097 betting and gambling websites blocked in 2024 alone, according to information shared with Storyboard18.

Speaking to the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the Minister for Electronics and Information Technology emphasized that addressing online gambling requires collaborative action between central and state governments. "We take immediate action whenever violations are reported, ensuring all measures comply with the Constitutional framework," Vaishnaw stated.

The minister highlighted the dramatic increase in enforcement actions, noting, "In 2022, only 14 betting and gambling platforms were banned, but by 2024 the number reached 1,097. We are continuously making efforts and receiving substantial cooperation from society."

The announcement came during Question Hour, where several lawmakers expressed concerns about the harmful effects of online gambling and violent video games on youth. Vaishnaw pointed to improved coordination among various agencies handling cyber-related crimes as a key factor in more effective enforcement.

The minister assured parliamentarians that the government is actively strengthening the legal framework to address online gambling and related cyber threats more comprehensively.