India Center for Unlawful Online Gambling: CUTS International

Main Conclusions of the Report

High User Involvement: The leading 15 unauthorized gambling sites, such as 1xBet, Parimatch, Stake, Fairplay, and BateryBet, together recorded more than 5.4 billion visits in FY25.

Financial Scope: Yearly contributions on these platforms are projected to be approximately $100 billion, leading to worries about money laundering and tax avoidance.

Regulatory Gaps: Numerous platforms neglect KYC and age checks, putting minors at risk of gambling exposure.

Advertising and Payment Challenges: Offshore operators take advantage of India's advertising and payment systems, facilitating user access to these websites.

Concerning Internet Gambling / Wagering in India

Online gambling involves engaging in gambling activities via the internet.

It consists of wagering or betting on different games and events with the goal of earning money or other rewards.

Online wagering sites in India persist in functioning, frequently via overseas companies.

Main Issues

Money Laundering & Fraud: Reports show that online gambling sites are utilized for money laundering and financing terrorism, leading to demands for tighter regulation.

Gambling Addiction & Mental Health Challenges: The growth of real-money gaming has raised alarms about gambling addiction, resulting in instances of financial hardship and mental health issues among players.

Jurisdictional Challenges: The international aspect of online gambling makes enforcement difficult since numerous platforms function from areas that Indian authorities cannot access.

Deceptive Promotions: Prominent endorsements of gambling sites enhance their broad attraction.

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) identified numerous ads promoting offshore betting, emphasizing the necessity for more stringent advertising regulations.

India's Legal System

The 1867 Public Gambling Act: Although it does not specifically address online betting, this central law forbids gambling in the majority of India.

State-Specific Legislation: Certain types of gambling, including internet betting, are permitted in states like Goa, Sikkim, and Nagaland under strict guidelines.

Supreme Court and High Court Decisions: Courts have made a distinction between games of chance and games of skill, permitting skill-based gaming platforms such as fantasy sports but prohibiting websites that only offer gambling.

The 2011 Information Technology Act: Online gambling provisions were added, stating that any website providing online gambling services must be based outside of India.

Consumer Protection: Advisories cautioning against the promotion of unlawful betting platforms have been issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).