Over 1,000 betting and gambling sites banned in 2024: India’s IT Minister
The Indian government banned over 1,000 illegal betting and gambling websites in 2024, according to Ashwini Vaishnaw (depicted in the featured image), India’s Minister for Electronics and Information Technology. The move comes as part of a broader effort to curb the rise of online gambling, which has been linked to financial fraud, addiction, and adverse impacts on youth.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha (India’s lower house of Parliament) on March 19, Vaishnaw highlighted the government’s coordinated efforts with state authorities to tackle the issue. He said that both central and state governments must work together to address the challenges posed by illegal online gambling and betting activities. “Whenever any instances of violations come to the notice of the central government, action is taken within the Constitutional framework,” Vaishnaw stated.
The banned websites were identified as platforms facilitating illegal betting and gambling, which have been a growing concern in India. The minister also noted that the government has been working closely with various agencies handling cybercrime to ensure effective enforcement. According to Vaishnaw, the collaboration has led to a “significant improvement” in tackling these activities, with 1,097 websites blocked so far in 2024.
Rising concerns over online gambling
The crackdown comes amid rising concerns about the impact of online gambling and betting on society, particularly on young people. Members of Parliament raised issues about violent online games and gambling platforms that have been linked to addiction, financial losses, and even suicides. Vaishnaw acknowledged these concerns and assured that the government is committed to creating a robust legal framework to address the issue.
India’s online gambling market has seen exponential growth in recent years, driven by increased internet penetration and smartphone usage. However, the lack of a uniform regulatory framework across states has made it challenging to monitor and control illegal activities. While some states like Sikkim and Nagaland have legalised and regulated online gambling, others have imposed outright bans. This patchwork of regulations has created loopholes that illegal operators often exploit.
Impact on the gaming industry
While the crackdown targets illegal gambling, it has also raised concerns among legitimate online gaming companies. The Indian real-money gaming industry, which includes skill-based games like fantasy sports and rummy, has been growing rapidly. According to a report by KPMG, the Indian online gaming market is expected to reach $3.9 billion by 2025. Industry stakeholders have called for clear regulations that distinguish between games of skill and games of chance, ensuring that legitimate businesses are not adversely affected.
India’s GST battle and online gaming
In related news, the Supreme Court of India recently adjourned a hearing on the contentious issue of imposing a 28 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on online gaming platforms. The case, which has significant implications for the gaming industry, was postponed to allow more time for deliberations. The government’s proposal to levy a higher GST on online gaming has sparked debates, with industry players arguing that such a move could stifle growth and innovation.
