The Increase in The Blocking of Illegal Betting Apps by the Indian Government

The online betting market in India has grown enormously, fuelled by increased digital connectivity and easy access to betting apps. However, this growth has also brought with it a proliferation of illegal betting platforms, which operate without regulation and expose users to various risks. In response, the Indian government has stepped up its measures to block access to these illegal apps in order to protect citizens and ensure greater control over the sector.

The expansion of online gambling in India

According to a report by KPMG, the online gaming market in India reached the 290 million mark of active players in 2022, with a projection of growth to over 500 million by 2025. Online betting has become a common activity, especially with the rise in popularity of sports such as cricket.

Many players seek out platforms that offer sports betting and casino games, but many of these platforms operate illegally, without a licence or regulation from the Indian authorities. This proliferation of illegal betting apps is worrying for several reasons.

Firstly, these apps often offer no guarantees to users, exposing them to fraud, manipulation of results and losing money without legal recourse. In addition, many of these apps facilitate gambling addiction by offering attractive bonuses and mechanisms that encourage repeated and impulsive betting.

Indian government action against illegal gambling apps

Indian government action against illegal gambling apps

The Indian government has been taking increasingly severe measures to combat illegal betting apps. In 2023, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) increased the blocking of these apps, based on the Information Technology Act (2000), which allows the government to restrict access to harmful or illegal content.

According to official reports, more than 230 illegal betting apps were blocked in the first six months of 2023, with the number growing as the government collaborates with internet providers to prevent access to these platforms. These actions reflect an attempt by the government to control the expansion of the betting market and protect consumers.

Illegal apps often operate outside the traditional banking system, using cryptocurrencies or anonymous payment methods that make it difficult to trace transactions. In addition, these apps do not follow consumer protection regulations, which means that players can lose large sums of money without any legal recourse or support.

Impact of blocking measures

While blocking illegal betting apps is a necessary measure to protect users and enforce legislation, there are also difficulties associated with such actions. Many illegal apps continue to operate via servers located outside of India, which makes it difficult to completely control access.

In addition, many users who are already accustomed to these platforms look for ways around the blocks, such as using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access the banned apps. However, the government’s measures have proved effective in reducing the visibility and reach of these apps.

Internet providers in India have actively collaborated to identify and block access to illegal gambling sites and applications, contributing to the protection of players and the reduction of fraud. In addition, these actions have encouraged discussions about the need for clearer and more comprehensive regulation of the online betting market in the country.

According to the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), there is more pressure on the government to introduce legislation to regulate the online betting market, allowing legal platforms to operate under clear rules and better consumer protection. The introduction of regulation could also generate large inflows for the government, as well as creating a safer environment for players.

Conclusion

The increase in the blocking of illegal betting apps by the Indian government reflects a necessary attempt to control a sector that has grown in a disorderly fashion and with few consumer protection mechanisms. Although there are still challenges, such as the operation of illegal apps outside the country and the use of technologies to circumvent the blocks, the government’s actions have had a major impact on reducing access to these platforms.