The government blocks 300 gambling websites and intensifies its crackdown

New Delhi: The government has stepped up its crackdown on illegal online gambling and betting platforms, blocking around 300 websites and apps in the latest round of operations, official sources said. The move is part of increasing enforcement action following the passage of the Online Gaming Act, which sets out a clearer framework to curb illegal real money gaming and gambling activity.Government sources said the blocked platforms include online sports betting sites, offshore casinos offering games such as slots and roulette, betting exchanges operating as peer-to-peer marketplaces, satta and matka networks and real money card and casino gaming apps. Many of these platforms were found to be operating without authorization and targeting Indian users through mirror websites and mobile apps.Officials said law enforcement agencies have been working with internet service providers and intermediaries to identify and disable access to such platforms. The action is also related to concerns about financial fraud, money laundering and user protection, particularly involving younger users who access these services via mobile devices.Data revealed by sources show that a total of about 8,400 illegal gambling and gambling websites have been blocked so far. Of those, nearly 4,900 were removed after the Online Gaming Act came into effect, indicating increased enforcement in recent months.The Online Gaming Act, passed last year, introduced provisions to regulate real-money online gaming, including due diligence requirements for platforms and tougher action against illegal operators. The recent measures also follow recommendations issued to states and law enforcement agencies to increase surveillance of online gambling networks.Officials said the crackdown will continue and more platforms are under review for possible blocking.