The Indian government, on Friday, blocked links to 242 illegal betting and gambling websites. In an effort to save the country’s youth from the grip of gambling addiction and prevent people from financial ruin, the Indian government has launched another 'digital strike.' According to government sources, this strict action has been taken under the Online Gaming Act.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already identified gaming addiction as a serious problem. These apps trap the younger generation with false promises of becoming rich overnight. As a result, many families are falling into financial crisis, and incidents of suicide linked to such addiction are also increasing.
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Legal framework and enforcement
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was passed in Parliament in August last year. This law has been strictly enforced since receiving President Droupadi Murmu’s assent. Statistics show that more than 7,800 such illegal websites and apps have been banned so far.
However, the government has clarified that the ban is aimed only at illegal gambling and betting activities. To ensure that the development of the digital economy is not hampered, e-sports, as well as educational and constructive games, have been kept outside its purview. According to cyber experts, this decision by the Centre is a major step towards making the digital world safer.
