New Delhi: The popularity of illegal foreign betting websites has soared across India, especially during the cricket IPL season of 2024. According to recent data, in just a few months, these platforms received over 1.63 billion (₹13,500 crore approx.) hits from Indian users. Experts say the lack of strong legal rules and simple access to these sites is helping this illegal industry grow faster every year.
These foreign platforms operate outside India and dodge local gambling laws and taxes. Most of them hide their real location and use tricky payment methods. Popular betting companies, including four main operators, handled 1.2 billion(₹9,940 crore approx.) visits by themselves, grabbing a huge chunk of Indian users’ attention during cricket season. Real numbers may be even higher, as many users access betting websites using private networks or unregistered accounts.
Illegal Betting Value Tops $100 Billion (₹ 8.3 Lakh Crore approx.)
Reports estimate that the value of illegal betting in India has crossed $100 billion (₹8.3 lakh crore approx.). This figure is climbing at a rate of 30 percent every year, and almost 28 percent of all betting takes place on foreign websites. Most of these sites show up as international gaming portals, but are actually run to attract Indian customers.
During the 2024 IPL, betting hit a new peak. Four foreign operators alone received more than 1.2 billion visits (₹9,940 crore approx.). The total for all websites was 1.63 billion(₹13,500 crore approx.), a record for the country. The real number of betting activities may be far greater, considering the hidden links and private pages accessed by users.
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Huge List of Illegal Firms and Ongoing Action
Indian financial agencies have identified 658 illegal foreign betting companies. Many have been blocked several times but keep returning with new names and websites. Out of a survey of over 2,700 betting sites, 87% did not follow India’s laws or financial rules. Many sites pushed aggressive online ads, running on YouTube, Telegram, and even tying up with local influencers to attract more betting customers.
In the first half of 2025, law enforcement caught over 3,000 cases linked to online betting and digital scam rings. The government is trying to block URLs, freeze illegal payment gateways, and run public campaigns warning people not to fall for instant betting profits.
Public Caution and Government Advisory
Authorities warn people to avoid betting on unknown or foreign websites as it can risk both their money and data. Users are advised to choose safe, legal gaming options and be careful with personal information online. Any suspicious site or offer should be quickly reported to the authorities.
