Indian government blocks 692 gambling websites between 2022 and 2024

The Indian government has blocked 692 betting and gambling websites from 2022 to 2024 under the Information Technology Act, as confirmed by Jitin Prasada, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology. His statement came in response to a Lok Sabha query raised by MP Shreyas M. Patel.

Prasada also revealed that orders had been sent to media platforms, including print, electronic, and digital outlets, as well as influencers and social media intermediaries. These orders aim to ensure the avoidance of misleading advertisements related to gambling and betting activities. However, Patel's query highlighted gaps, as the minister's response did not comprehensively address questions about the government’s actions against illegal gambling or its broader awareness of the issue.

The Indian government's approach to online gambling has remained strict. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued multiple advisories to ensure compliance with advertising guidelines. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) continues to emphasize the risks of online gambling, including financial losses and addiction. However, it also points out that regulation falls under state jurisdiction as per the Indian Constitution.

India's online gambling landscape is fragmented, with each state enacting its own rules. While Goa and Sikkim have legalized online casinos, states like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have implemented strict bans on such activities. This uneven legal patchwork has led to different enforcement approaches depending on the state, with no unified federal law explicitly addressing online gambling.