India has shut down several betting apps over the years. The government banned these platforms for various reasons, such as illegal gambling, missing licenses, money fraud, and data theft.
The Online Gaming Act of 2025 changed everything. This law banned all money-based online gaming, forcing many platforms to close or exit the Indian market.
Today, both foreign betting apps and unregulated platforms face blocks or restrictions. Users should avoid real-money betting apps because they bring legal and financial risks.
The Online Gaming Act 2025: What Changed
The government passed the Online Gaming Bill in 2025, and it became the Online Gaming Act after the President signed it into law. This law remains in effect across India in 2026, maintaining a complete ban on real-money online gaming.
Key Rules of the Law
The law created strict rules:
- The government banned all money-based online games, whether they require skill or luck
- Companies cannot advertise, sponsor, or use influencers to promote money-gaming platforms
- Banks, UPI, and card networks cannot process payments for money-gaming
- Breaking these rules leads to heavy fines and up to three years in prison
Who the Law Affects
The law impacts many platforms:
- Real-money gaming and fantasy platforms like Dream11, Games24x7, WinZO, and My11Circle
- The law excludes esports and non-money competitive gaming, treating them as a separate legal category
Foreign Betting Platforms Hit by the Ban
The Online Gaming Act of 2025 bans all real-money online gaming and betting in India. This includes foreign platforms that accept Indian users. Many international betting sites now operate illegally or fail to comply with the rules, even though they remain accessible.
Major Offshore Platforms Affected
Here are the foreign platforms that face problems in India:
| Platform | Legal Status | Key Restrictions & Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | Banned | Blocked for lack of an Indian license; involves illegal offshore financial transactions. |
| Stake | Restricted | Real-money play is banned nationwide under the Online Gaming Act, 2025. |
| Parimatch | Blocked | Government-blocked for offering of unlicensed cash betting to Indian users. |
| Dafabet | Banned | Operates as an unlicensed offshore sportsbook/casino without government approval. |
| Fairplay | Blocked | Targeted by authorities due to illegal links to gambling activities within India. |
| BC.Game | Restricted | Real-money play is prohibited; falls under strict money-gaming and crypto-betting bans. |
| Rajabets | Unrecognized | Not recognized under Indian law; real-money wagering is not legally permitted. |
| 22Bet | Unlicensed | No Indian license; real-money betting is officially prohibited for Indian users. |
What This Means for You
Users face several consequences:
- Real-money betting or gambling on these platforms breaks Indian law under the Online Gaming Act of 2025
- Banks, UPI, cards, and crypto transactions linked to betting face restrictions or blocks
- Even if you can access an offshore site through mirror links, using it brings legal and financial risks
- Only free-to-play games and non-money esports competitions clearly stay legal now
Important Note: Just because you can access a site doesn’t make it legal. Any platform that offers money-based gaming or betting doesn’t comply with current Indian law.
Complete List of Banned Betting Apps (2026)
In early 2026, the government blocked an additional 242 illegal betting websites, bringing the total number of blocked sites to over 7,800.
Apps Banned in 2025-26
- Winaura – The government shut it down as an unauthorized gambling platform.
- Winstler42 – Authorities blocked it for breaking gambling regulations.
- Casinohermes – The government banned this unregulated gambling platform.
- Amunra1 – Authorities shut it down for unlicensed gambling activities.
- Polymarket – The government blocked it for not following financial regulations.
How the Online Gaming Act Changed Different App Types
The new law affected different categories of apps in various ways:
Completely Banned Betting Apps
These apps got completely blocked and became illegal. You cannot access or play on these apps in India.
Foreign-based apps like 1xBet and Parimatch offer gambling and betting. The new law made it easier to block them fully.
Indian Fantasy and Card Apps
These apps completely changed their business models. Apps such as Dream11, My11Circle, and A23 have removed all real-money games.
The law bans money-for-money play. To remain compliant, these apps now offer only free contests with prizes such as gadgets or vouchers.
Illegal Apps That Keep Popping Up
Authorities actively hunt down and block these apps. New apps and websites appear frequently, but authorities shut them down fast.
When old apps face bans, new ones emerge. They run illegally and trick users, so the government blocks them as they appear.
Legal Free-to-Play Apps
These apps can continue as usual since they never offered cash gaming.
Apps like Fantasy Akhada and PlayerzPot always focused on free games or non-cash prizes. This makes them safe and legal.
How Fantasy Apps Changed After August 2025
Major fantasy apps had to completely change how they work. Here’s what changed for the biggest platforms:
1. Dream11
Before: Users paid entry fees for cash prizes across contests.
Now: The platform offers 100% free-to-play contests with no entry fees. Users compete for gadgets, vouchers, and merchandise instead of cash.
2. My11Circle
Before: The app ran “Mega Leagues” with entry fees and large cash prizes.
Now: My11Circle only offers free contests. They replaced mega leagues with free games that reward users with merchandise or vouchers.
3. MPL
Before: Users paid entry fees for fantasy, rummy, and multi-games to win cash prizes.
Now: MPL offers free-to-play fantasy only. They removed real-money games and focused on free games with gift cards as rewards.
4. MyTeam11
Before: The platform ran paid leagues and tournaments with real-money rewards.
Now: MyTeam11 only offers free-entry leagues. Users compete for vouchers and merchandise instead of cash.
5. A23 (FanFight)
Before: The app offered rummy and fantasy contests with paid entries and cash rewards.
Now: A23 stopped all paid contests. They shifted to free fantasy and rummy with non-cash prizes.
6. Howzat
Before: Users joined paid leagues and tournaments for cash prizes.
Now: Howzat runs only free-to-play contests with merchandise and gadget rewards.
7. MyFab11
Before: Users could pay to enter leagues for cash prizes.
Now: MyFab11 offers free leagues. They paused all real-money formats and shifted to rewards-based play.
8. BalleBaazi
Before: The platform operated paid leagues and offered a signup bonus for cash play.
Currently, BalleBaazi offers only free contests. They removed the signup bonus and now offer prizes like jerseys and merchandise.
Fantasy Apps That Stay Legal
Some fantasy apps never ran real-money contests, so they continue to work legally:
| Platform | Core Model | Primary Rewards | Legal Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fantasy Akhada | 100% Free Contests | Gadgets & Vouchers | No cash-for-cash play; strictly follows the Act. |
| Vision11 | Free Leagues | Smartphones & Gift Cards | Excludes real-money play; non-cash prizes only. |
| PlayerzPot | Free Pots & Leagues | Electronics & Gift Vouchers | Full transition to non-money rewards. |
| MyMaster11 | No-Entry-Fee Contests | Gadgets & Vouchers | Complies by charging $0$ entry and avoiding cash. |
| Fan2Play | Free-Entry Leagues | Non-cash Rewards | Operates exclusively via free entries; immune to bans. |
| CrickPe | Free-Entry Leagues | Non-cash Prizes | Removed old payout system; switched to free-only. |
| BatBall11 | Free-Only Contests | Gift Vouchers | Dropped all cash formats to meet new law standards. |
Understanding Why Apps Get Banned
The government bans betting apps for several main reasons:
No Proper License
Most banned apps operate without the required government approvals. Indian law requires platforms to obtain specific licenses for gambling operations. Apps that skip this step face immediate action from authorities.
Money Laundering Concerns
Many betting apps are linked to illegal money movement. They help users transfer large amounts without proper tracking. This raises red flags for financial authorities who monitor suspicious transactions.
Data Privacy Issues
Banned apps often fail to protect user information properly. They don’t follow data security standards, which puts users at risk. Personal information, bank details, and identification documents can get exposed or sold.
Targeting Minors
Some apps lack robust age-verification systems. They allow underage users to gamble, which breaks multiple laws. This particularly concerns authorities who want to protect young people.
Fraudulent Practices
Many platforms use tricks to cheat users. They delay or refuse withdrawals, manipulate odds, or disappear with user money. Complaints about such practices trigger government investigations.
Tax Evasion
Betting apps that operate from foreign countries often avoid Indian taxes. They don’t pay the required dues on earnings from Indian users. This violates tax laws and reduces government revenue.
What Happens If You Use Banned Apps
Using banned betting apps brings serious consequences:
Legal Problems
The law treats users of banned apps as lawbreakers. You can face fines for using these platforms. In serious cases, you might face criminal charges and jail time of up to three years.
Financial Risks
Your money on banned platforms stays unsafe. These apps often freeze accounts or refuse withdrawals. You have no legal means to recover the lost funds because the platform operates illegally.
Bank Account Issues
Banks monitor transactions linked to betting apps. If they spot gambling-related payments, they might freeze your account. This can affect your credit score and future banking relationships.
Data Theft
Banned apps don’t follow data protection rules. Your personal information, including ID proof and bank details, can get stolen or sold. This leads to identity theft and financial fraud.
No Legal Protection
Courts won’t help you if a banned app cheats you. You cannot file complaints or seek legal remedies since your participation was illegal. You lose all rights to your money.
How Authorities Block Betting Apps
The government uses multiple methods to stop banned betting apps:
Internet Service Provider Blocks
Telecom companies receive orders to block access to banned betting sites. When you try to visit these sites, you see an error message. This blocks direct access through regular internet connections.
Payment Gateway Restrictions
Banks and payment processors get instructions to reject transactions with betting apps. UPI, cards, and net banking won’t work for these platforms. This cuts off funding to banned apps.
App Store Removal
Google Play Store and Apple App Store remove banned betting apps. Users cannot download these apps through official stores. This makes it harder for new users to find and install them.
Mirror Site Tracking
Banned apps often create new websites to bypass blocks. Authorities constantly track and block these mirror sites. They use advanced technology to quickly identify and shut down new domains.
Legal Action Against Promoters
Police can arrest people who promote banned betting apps. This includes influencers, advertisers, and local agents. Such actions send a strong warning to others.
How to Spot Illegal Betting Apps
You need to recognize illegal betting apps to stay safe:
Missing License Information
Legal apps clearly display their license numbers and regulatory authority. If an app doesn’t show this information or makes it hard to find, stay away.
Unclear Terms and Conditions
Illegal apps often have confusing or hidden terms. They don’t clearly explain withdrawal rules, fees, or dispute resolution. This helps them cheat users later.
Offshore Registration
Apps registered in foreign countries without an Indian presence raise red flags. They list addresses in countries with lax gambling laws. This shows they avoid Indian oversight.
Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers
Scam apps promise unrealistic bonuses and guaranteed wins. They offer large welcome bonuses with impossible withdrawal conditions. This tricked users into depositing money.
Poor Customer Support
Illegal apps rarely provide proper customer service. They don’t have phone numbers, physical addresses, or responsive support teams. Users cannot reach them when problems arise.
Asks for Unnecessary Permissions
Betting apps that request access to contacts, messages, or call logs raise concerns. They don’t need these permissions to function. This suggests data mining or surveillance.
Safe Alternatives for Gaming Enthusiasts
You can enjoy gaming legally in India through these options:
Free-to-Play Fantasy Apps
Several apps offer fantasy sports without monetary involvement. You form teams, compete in leagues, and win prizes such as gadgets or vouchers. These apps follow all legal requirements.
Esports Competitions
Competitive gaming tournaments for games such as FIFA, Dota 2, and Free Fire remain fully legal. Players compete based on skill, and winners receive prizes. These events don’t involve gambling.
Skill-Based Games
Certain skill-based games are legal in some Indian states. Games like rummy and poker (in specific formats) get recognition as skill-based. Check your state laws before playing.
Traditional Gaming Clubs
Physical gaming clubs provide legal venues to play cards and board games. These licensed establishments operate in accordance with local regulations. They provide a social and legal gaming environment.
Non-Money Prediction Games
Some apps let you predict sports outcomes without betting money. You earn points for correct predictions and compete on leaderboards. These apps reward knowledge without gambling.
State-by-State Gambling Rules
India doesn’t have uniform gambling laws across all states:
States with Strict Bans
Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala have strict anti-gambling laws. These states ban all forms of online gambling, including fantasy sports. Using any betting app here brings immediate legal action.
States with Partial Permission
Goa and Sikkim permit certain forms of gambling under strict regulation. They license specific casinos and gaming platforms. However, most online betting apps still remain illegal.
States Following Central Laws
Most other states follow central government guidelines. They don’t have specific state gambling laws. The Online Gaming Act of 2025 applies uniformly across these states.
Changing Legal Landscape
State laws keep evolving. Some states consider new regulations for skill-based games. Users must stay up to date on their state-specific rules.
The Future of Online Gaming in India
The gaming landscape will continue changing:
Stricter Enforcement
Authorities will strengthen tracking and blocking mechanisms. They plan to use AI to identify new illegal apps faster. This will make it harder for banned apps to operate.
Clear Skill-Gaming Framework
The government is working to clearly define skill-based games. New regulations might allow certain games under strict conditions. This could bring back some forms of fantasy sports.
International Cooperation
India seeks cooperation with other countries to stop offshore betting apps. This includes sharing information and coordinating enforcement actions. Such partnerships will make bans more effective.
Technology Solutions
Banks and payment processors develop better systems to identify gambling transactions. They use machine learning to spot suspicious patterns. This will automatically block funds from reaching illegal apps.
Public Awareness Campaigns
The government plans to implement education programs on gambling risks. These campaigns will help people recognize illegal apps and understand legal consequences. Better awareness reduces demand for banned apps.
Protecting Yourself from Betting App Scams
Follow these steps to stay safe:
Never Share OTP or Passwords
Scammers impersonate betting app staff and request verification codes. Never share OTPs, passwords, or PINs with anyone. Legitimate platforms never ask for this information.
Verify Before Downloading
Check app reviews and ratings carefully. Look for complaints about withdrawal issues or scams. Download only from official app stores; remember, most betting apps remain banned.
Avoid Referral Pressure
Some people push you to join betting apps for referral bonuses. Don’t let friends or social media influencers pressure you. Their commissions matter more than your safety.
Monitor Bank Statements
Check your bank statements regularly for unauthorized transactions. Set up alerts for all payments. Report suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
Report Illegal Apps
If you spot illegal betting apps or their promoters, report them. Contact local police cyber cells or the government’s cybercrime portal. Your report helps protect others.
Educate Family Members
Talk to family members, especially young adults, about the risks of betting apps. Explain legal and financial consequences. Prevention works better than dealing with problems later.
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Conclusion: Stay Safe And Legal
The Online Gaming Act of 2025 marks a major change in India’s gaming world. The government banned all money-based betting and gambling apps to protect users from financial harm. This includes both Indian platforms and foreign sites that accept Indian users.
The law clearly separates illegal gambling from legal activities. Esports and free-to-play fantasy apps remain completely legal. These platforms involve skill-based competition without money betting. They continue to grow with proper regulation and industry support.
Your path forward stays simple: avoid all money-based gaming apps. Choose legal, free-to-play platforms or esports options instead. This keeps you safe from legal trouble and financial loss. It also supports a responsible gaming environment in India.
Remember that accessing a site doesn’t make it legal. Many banned apps still operate via workarounds such as mirror sites or VPNs. Using them remains illegal and risky. The safe choice stays clear – stick to legal gaming options that don’t involve real money.
The gaming industry will keep changing. Stay informed about new laws and regulations. Make smart choices that protect your interests and follow the law. Your safety and legal standing matter more than any betting thrill.
