India Blocks 242 Illegal Betting and Gambling Website Links Under New Gaming Law

The Indian government blocked links to 242 illegal betting and gambling websites on January 16, 2026, raising the total number of such sites taken down to over 7,800 since the ban on real-money gaming apps in August 2025. This action follows the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which prohibits real-money gaming and related advertisements, imposes penalties, and restricts banking services to such platforms. Authorities cited concerns over financial harm, addiction, and social distress, especially among youth, while aiming to promote legitimate online gaming and e-sports.