Indian cyber authorities blocked 8,400 illegal gambling websites as part of a nationwide crackdown on online illegal betting platforms.
The mass blocking action targeted domains and mirrors hosting unlicensed wagering services that recruit Indian users despite prohibitions in most states. Regulators coordinated with internet service providers to restrict access at the network level.
Illegal online gambling has surged alongside smartphone penetration and digital payment adoption. Enforcement agencies pair website blocks with investigations into payment aggregators and promoters who advertise on social media.
Eight thousand four hundred sites represent a substantial enforcement wave intended to disrupt operator revenue and visibility. Critics note that blocked sites often reappear under new domain names, requiring continuous monitoring.
The crackdown aligns with broader government messaging against betting fraud linked to financial crime and money laundering. Public advisories urge citizens to report suspicious gambling apps to national cybercrime portals.
Telecom operators received blocking orders through official channels, reducing casual access while mirror sites may still emerge under new domain names. State police forces were asked to pair technical blocks with on-ground arrests of agents recruiting bettors through messaging apps.
Ministry officials said website blocking is one tool in a wider strategy that includes prosecuting payment gateways that process illegal wagering deposits.
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Sources:
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/news/crime