Govt Blocked 1,300 Illegal Gaming Apps Between 2022 & 2024

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today informed the Parliament that the government issued directions to digital intermediaries to block 1,298 online gambling websites and apps between 2022 and 2024. 

“MeitY has issued 1,298 blocking directions related to online betting/gambling/gaming websites (including mobile applications) between the year 2022-24,” informed Vaishnaw. 

The minister said that the directions were issued in exercise of powers under Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information for Public) Rules, 2009.

Noting that the government is cognisant of the risks posed by online gaming and potential harms like addiction, Vaishnaw also reiterated that IT Rules, 2021 mandate online gaming platforms to not host any data that violates existing norms. “They (online gaming platforms) are also obligated to ensure their accountability that includes their expeditious action towards removal of the unlawful information categorised,” added the Minister. 

The latest development also comes close on the heels of the Centre cracking the whip on illegal gaming platforms. Last year, the central consumer protection authority (CCPA) flagged the mushrooming illegal gaming platforms in the country, and issued an advisory that warned online  celebs from promoting online betting platforms. 

It is pertinent to note that betting and gambling are prohibited under the Public Gambling Act, 1867 in the majority of regions in the country. However, states are entrusted with formulating their own laws to oversee gambling. 

The comments come just days after Tamil Nadu notified new rules, which banned online gaming for minors and mandated pop-up messages regarding the addictive nature of real money gaming.

The Indian online gaming industry is currently pegged at a staggering $3.8 Bn, with the illegal online gaming industry reportedly clocking transactions worth up to INR 8.2 Lakh Cr in the country. 

Besides the adverse impact of illegal gambling platform, an EY report estimates that the gaming industry is projected to generate 2.5 Lakh direct and indirect job opportunities in India by 2025.