As of January 2026, Bet365 no longer operates legally in India. The platform left the Indian market in August 2023 after the government imposed a 28 percent GST on the entire betting amount. This tax change made it financially impossible for major international betting companies to continue their operations.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 changed everything. This law now prohibits all real-money online betting across India. Platforms like Bet365 are now clearly illegal for Indian users. This applies even when people try to access them through VPNs or mirror sites.
Some users may still find ways to reach Bet365 through unofficial channels. However, the platform has no legal status in India. Users who attempt this risk losing their money with no way to recover it if problems arise.
Reasons Why Bet365 Got Banned in India
The ban resulted from multiple factors working together. Tax changes, regulatory hurdles, and new laws all played a role. Here are the main reasons behind Bet365’s exit and current ban in India.
1. Increased GST on Betting
The Indian government raised the Goods and Services Tax on online betting from 18% to 28% in 2023. The crucial change was how this tax applies. It calculates on the total amount wagered, not just on platform revenue or winnings.
This dramatically increased operating costs for platforms like Bet365. Staying profitable became nearly impossible. To put this in perspective, on a ₹1,000 bet, ₹280 goes directly to tax regardless of whether the bettor wins or loses. This affects both users and operators severely.
2. Nationwide Ban Under Online Gaming Law (2025)
Before 2025, online betting laws in India were unclear. Different states had different rules. This changed completely with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
This law creates a nationwide ban on all real-money online gaming and betting. It overrides any state-level variations that existed before. Under this framework, platforms like Bet365 face explicit prohibition. It does not matter whether they operate from offshore locations. Users cannot legally access them through VPNs or mirror links either.
3. Financial And Legal Burden of Compliance
The challenges go beyond higher GST rates. The new law makes it a criminal offense to operate, promote, or financially support real-money betting platforms. Payment processors and banks cannot support such platforms either.
This creates enormous legal and compliance risks. The Indian market has become unattractive for international operators like Bet365. These companies prefer countries with clear licensing systems and predictable regulations. India now offers neither.
4. Strategic Focus on Profitable Markets
Bet365 runs operations in many regulated markets worldwide. The company focuses on regions with favorable tax structures and clear licensing frameworks. Leaving India lets the company concentrate on countries where online betting has legal approval and commercial viability. This approach avoids regulatory uncertainty and potential enforcement actions.
Can Bet365 Return to India?
Right now, Bet365 cannot legally operate in India under existing laws. A return would need major legal changes. The government would have to roll back or significantly change the nationwide ban on real-money online betting.
Even if future regulations allow online betting, Bet365 would face many requirements. The company would need to obtain licenses. It would have to follow strict tax rules. Requirements around responsible gambling, data protection, and financial transparency would all apply.
Until such changes happen, Bet365’s operations in India remain prohibited. Users should avoid accessing the platform through unofficial or unauthorized methods. The risks far outweigh any potential benefits.
Top 3 Bet365 Alternatives in India
After the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 took effect, real-money online betting platforms face a nationwide ban in India. This means no direct legal alternatives to Bet365 exist for real-money sports betting at this time.
Indian users who want to engage with sports-related gaming can look at non-monetary or free-to-play platforms. Some platforms have moved away from real-money formats to comply with the new law.
Below are some safer, non-betting alternatives that focus on skill-based gameplay or free participation.
1. Dream11
Type: Fantasy Sports (Free-to-Play & Practice Contests)
Dream11 was historically known for paid fantasy contests. The platform now promotes free-to-play and practice formats more heavily since the 2025 gaming law. Users can create fantasy teams for cricket, football, and other sports without putting money at stake.
These contests focus on strategy and sports knowledge rather than betting. This makes them a safer option for users who want to enjoy fantasy sports without legal or financial risk.
Users can participate in free-to-play and practice contests on Dream11. Sports fans can test their strategic skills without staking real money or worrying about withdrawals.
2. MPL (Mobile Premier League)
Type: Skill-Based Games (Free Games & Practice Modes)
MPL offers many skill-based games. These include fantasy sports, chess, and casual arcade games. Since 2025, the platform has expanded free-entry games and non-cash formats. Users can play purely for entertainment.
The wide game selection and tournament-style gameplay work well for users who want competitive fun without real-money betting.
3. My11Circle
Type: Fantasy Sports (Free Contests)
My11Circle lets users participate in free fantasy contests. This is especially popular during major cricket tournaments. These formats let players test their sports knowledge and team-selection skills without wagering money.
For users who miss the strategic element of betting, free fantasy formats offer a legal and risk-free alternative.
Suggested Reads:
Conclusion: Bet365 Got Banned in India Due to Legal Reasons
Bet365 is not legally available in India under current laws. High GST and regulatory pressure initially led to its exit. The situation became clearer after the 2025 online gaming law. This law imposes a nationwide ban on real-money betting platforms.
Some users still try to access Bet365 using VPNs or alternate links. Doing so now involves greater legal, financial, and operational risks. Blocked payments and loss of funds with no recourse are real possibilities.
For Indian users, avoiding offshore betting platforms altogether is the safer choice. Sticking to platforms that operate within India’s legal boundaries makes sense. The online betting landscape continues to change. But as of now, Bet365 remains completely out of the Indian market. Accessing it comes with risks that outweigh any potential benefits.
FAQs
Yes. Under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, all real-money online betting and gaming is banned nationwide in India. This applies regardless of whether the platform is Indian or offshore.
There are no legal real-money betting alternatives to Bet365 in India at present. Users can only access free-to-play or non-monetary fantasy and skill-based platforms that comply with Indian law.
The government applies 28% GST on the full wager value, not just platform revenue. This approach aims to curb excessive betting and increase tax compliance. It has significantly raised costs for both users and betting operators.
A return is highly unlikely under current law. Bet365 can only re-enter if the nationwide ban on real-money betting gets repealed or significantly changed.
Indian bettors have lost access to legal betting platforms. Many users have shifted to offshore sites. These carry higher financial and legal risks and offer no user protection.
Users outside India should choose platforms that are legal and licensed in their country. Look for secure payment methods, responsible gambling practices, and transparent policies on withdrawals, taxes, and user protection.
