Challenges in Enforcing Online Betting Laws in India
Introduction to Online Betting Regulations
In August of last year, the government enacted the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025, which rendered online betting illegal at a national level. This legislation has led to the blocking of over 8,400 websites and applications, aiming to enhance the legal framework governing digital gaming and betting. However, despite this extensive crackdown, the situation remains complex. Websites such as 1xBet, Parimatch, and Betwinner continue to be readily accessible to Indian users, who can easily navigate around the restrictions. Many of these platforms facilitate digital payments and UPI transactions, further simplifying the betting process for users.
The Current State of IPL Betting in India
IPL Betting: What Is Lacking In India?
Rahul Mehra, a sports activist and Supreme Court lawyer, expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the current laws. He stated, "England legalized betting for a reason. In India, we have excellent laws, but the implementation is severely lacking. The law may look good on paper, but its execution is poor. Monitoring online betting is nearly impossible without strict measures against operators. People will continue to bet online, especially when there are no barriers in place." He emphasized that the law must be enforced consistently to have any real impact.
Expert Opinions on Enforcement Strategies
Nachiketa Vajpayee, another Supreme Court advocate, believes that a systematic approach is essential for dismantling betting networks effectively. He highlighted the role of the Financial Intelligence Unit in tracking suspicious UPI transactions to cut off financial support for illegal betting. "The ongoing betting activities during the IPL necessitate a shift from mere symbolic prohibitions to decisive enforcement measures," he stated.
Key Aspects of Online Betting Regulation
| Aspect | What the Law Says | What’s Happening on Ground | Expert Insight |
| Legal Status | Online betting and real-money gaming are banned nationwide | Offshore apps like 1xBet, Parimatch, Betwinner remain accessible | “Best laws, worst implementation” — Rahul Mehra |
| Accessibility | Platforms should be blocked and restricted | Mirror sites, VPNs, and direct URLs keep platforms live | “Online, there are no barriers” — Mehra |
| User Liability | Participation is criminalised | Minimal to no visible action against users | “How many people will you put in jail?” — Mehra |
| Enforcement | Police and agencies expected to act | Lack of FIRs, raids, or consistent monitoring | “It has become a free-for-all” — Mehra |
| Financial Flow | Transactions should be tracked and blocked | UPI channels and informal routes still active | Financial choke points need targeting — Nachiketa Vajpayee |
| Tech Crackdown | Websites and apps to be dynamically blocked | Platforms reappear via mirror domains | Real-time tracking needed — Vajpayee |
| Accountability | Intermediaries must comply with law | Limited accountability for app stores, influencers | Make life difficult — Vajpayee |
| Global Factor | Cross-border betting should be restricted | Offshore operators continue targeting Indian users | International cooperation is key — Vajpayee |
| Deterrence | Law meant to discourage participation | Weak enforcement creates “chalta hai” mindset | “No deterrent without action” — Mehra |
Proposed Solutions for Effective Regulation
IPL Betting: Four Steps To Choke The System
Vajpayee outlined four critical steps to improve enforcement: First, law enforcement must target organized networks rather than just low-level operators. Second, technological measures should be enhanced to dynamically block betting websites and track mirror sites. Third, credible deterrents must be established through increased penalties for those involved in illegal betting. Finally, international cooperation is crucial to address the challenges posed by offshore platforms. Public awareness campaigns during major events like the IPL can also help reduce demand for illegal betting.
Conclusion
Until enforcement becomes more visible and technologically advanced, the current ban on betting risks becoming ineffective. The challenge lies in transforming a strong legal framework into a practical deterrent against illegal betting activities.