Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 17: Continuing its crackdown on online money gaming, the Centre on Friday blocked links to 242 illegal betting and gambling websites, official sources said.

“With this action, more than 7,800 illegal betting and gambling websites have been taken down so far. Enforcement has intensified significantly after the passage of the Online Gaming Act,” sources said.

They added that the move reflects the government’s strong commitment to protecting users, particularly the youth, and to curbing the financial and social damage caused by illegal online betting and gambling platforms.

The crackdown follows the introduction of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, in August last year, which effectively banned online money gaming in India. Online money games are defined as platforms where users wager money, irrespective of whether outcomes depend on skill, chance or a combination of both.

Such platforms have been under scrutiny amid concerns over addiction, severe financial losses, money laundering and reports of suicides linked to heavy betting losses.

Former minister for electronics and information technology Ashwini Vaishnaw had earlier said that online money gaming had caused serious harm across the country. He noted that many families had lost their life savings, youth had fallen into addiction, and in some tragic cases, financial distress caused by such games had led to suicides.

Officials said the government will continue to monitor and act against illegal online betting and gambling platforms to ensure user safety and financial security.