Total shutdowns surpass 7,800 under PROGA

India has intensified enforcement against illegal online betting, blocking 242 additional websites as part of its ongoing crackdown under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA).

Since PROGA came into force on October 1, 2025, more than 7,800 gambling-related sites have been taken offline nationwide. The law, signed by President Droupadi Murmu in August 2025 following parliamentary approval, establishes a unified federal ban on real-money online betting and gambling.

Under the new regime, only esports tournaments and non-monetized social games are permitted, subject to strict compliance standards.

Enforcement focuses on operators and promoters

Authorities have deliberately targeted the commercial ecosystem rather than individual players.

Sanctions apply to:

  • Platform operators
  • Advertisers and affiliates
  • Influencers promoting betting services
  • Financial backers and payment intermediaries

Users placing bets face no direct penalties. Officials describe the strategy as “ecosystem disruption,” aiming to cut off supply rather than punish demand.

Enforcement has expanded beyond domain blocking to include advertising networks, social media campaigns, and payment channels supporting illegal wagering platforms.

Offshore sites and URL switching complicate efforts

Despite the scale of enforcement, regulators face persistent challenges. Many offshore operators rely on rapid domain changes — commonly known as URL switching — to evade blocks.

Authorities have also flagged the use of mule accounts and fake identities to move funds offshore, raising concerns about money laundering and financial integrity.

Industry analysts estimate illegal betting volumes in India reach hundreds of crores monthly, rivaling segments of the country’s legitimate entertainment sector.

PROGA reshapes the regulatory landscape

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act has overridden India’s patchwork of state-level gambling laws, replacing them with a centralized federal framework.

Key provisions include:

  • A blanket ban on real-money online wagering
  • Nationwide compliance standards
  • Creation of a new regulatory body to oversee permitted gaming formats

The legislation also establishes a National Online Gaming Commission tasked with licensing approved operators, monitoring compliance, and handling complaints.

Youth protection and social concerns drive policy

Officials cite addiction risks, financial losses, and youth exposure to betting ads as primary motivations behind the crackdown.

With one of the world’s largest young online populations, India has framed PROGA as a consumer protection measure rather than purely an economic reform. Blocking illegal platforms is presented as shielding vulnerable users from predatory practices.

A divided market outlook

For investors and operators, the message is clear:

  • Unregulated and offshore platforms face domain seizures, payment restrictions, and financial penalties.
  • Skill-based and non-monetized gaming providers may benefit from a cleaner competitive environment.

As enforcement continues, the long-term success of PROGA will depend on the government’s ability to stay ahead of evasion tactics and maintain consistent oversight.

With over 7,800 websites already blocked, India is signaling sustained commitment to reshaping its digital gaming sector under centralized control.

Summary

India has blocked 242 more illegal betting sites, bringing the total to over 7,800 since PROGA took effect in October 2025. The law bans real-money online gambling nationwide while allowing regulated esports and social games. Authorities are targeting operators, advertisers, and promoters rather than players, as regulators work to curb offshore activity and strengthen digital oversight.