The Indian government has blocked 1,524 illegal gambling websites and mobile applications from 2022 to June 2025, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday. Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Jitin Prasada, stated in a written reply that these platforms were involved in online betting, gambling, and gaming, and were found violating Indian laws.
The move comes amid growing concerns over offshore online gambling platforms operating without registering under Indian tax norms or adhering to local regulations. Many of these entities reach Indian users via digital ads, including surrogate advertisements on major platforms like Google and Meta, which often conceal the true nature of the services being promoted.
According to the minister, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) has been empowered under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act to instruct intermediaries to block access to unregistered gaming platforms. This includes foreign-based online gaming sites that are in breach of the IGST Act.
Under Indian law, online gaming platforms, whether domestic or foreign, are required to register under the IGST Act to legally operate in the country. Those that fail to comply face blocking orders. Additionally, online gaming in India is subject to a 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST), the minister clarified.
To further regulate the sector, the Finance Act of 2023 introduced a 30% income tax on net winnings from online games, applicable from the assessment year 2024–25. This step was taken to ensure clarity in the taxation of the burgeoning online gaming industry.
The minister reiterated that the central government is committed to maintaining an open, safe, trusted, and accountable internet. He added that betting and gambling are state subjects under Entry 34 of the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. Accordingly, state governments have the legislative authority to define and penalize gambling-related offences.
To support enforcement efforts, the Centre has been issuing advisories and providing financial assistance to states and Union Territories to strengthen their law enforcement infrastructure under various schemes.
The DGGI remains the designated authority to block unregistered and non-compliant online money gaming platforms operating in violation of Indian tax and IT regulations.
