The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has directed virtual private network service providers and intermediaries to ensure their platforms are not used to access illegal and blocked online betting and prediction market platforms. The advisory, issued by MeitY’s Cyber Laws Division on April 25, 2026, reiterates that the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 prohibits online real-money gaming activities in all forms.
VPN Access to Blocked Platforms Under Scrutiny
According to the advisory, MeitY said it had observed that some VPN service providers and intermediaries were facilitating access to illegal and blocked prediction market and online betting platforms. The ministry referred to websites such as Polymarket and similar platforms, which it said had been blocked for access in India under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
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The advisory stated that some users were allegedly circumventing legal restrictions by misusing VPN services to access these blocked websites. It further said such users were engaging in financial transactions by converting Indian rupees into virtual digital assets, including USD Coin and other stablecoins, to participate on these platforms despite domestic prohibitions.
Safe Harbour at Risk for Non-Compliance
MeitY has asked VPN service providers and other intermediaries to make reasonable efforts not to host, store or permit access to unlawful platforms, including Polymarket and similar services operating in violation of Indian law.
The ministry also reminded intermediaries that the Information Technology Act requires them to provide information or assistance to government agencies for investigative, protective and cybersecurity activities within stipulated timelines.
The advisory warned that failure to comply with statutory due diligence obligations may result in the loss of exemption under Section 79 of the IT Act. It also said non-compliance could expose intermediaries to consequential legal action under applicable laws.
Blocked Sites Continue to Reappear
The advisory comes amid continuing enforcement against illegal gambling and betting platforms. According to the information cited, the Indian government had blocked access to more than 8,376 illegal gambling and betting sites as of March 28, 2026.
Authorities have intensified enforcement after Parliament passed the online gaming law, but offshore platforms continue to operate through mirror domains and private channels. A CUTS International survey in Delhi found that offshore platform usage rose from 68.3% before the ban to 82% after it, while daily access increased from 3.4% to 42.3%.
The advisory signals a further escalation in India’s attempt to enforce restrictions on real-money gaming and offshore betting platforms. It also highlights the difficulty of enforcement in an ecosystem where blocked websites reappear through mirror domains, users rely on VPN access, and transactions can shift to virtual digital assets.
