As the IPL 2025 season kicks off, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) has launched a significant crackdown on offshore online gaming entities involved in illegal betting activities in India. This aggressive move aims to curb rising instances of unlawful online gambling, especially during the high-stakes IPL matches.
According to official sources, around 700 offshore gaming platforms are under investigation for violating Indian laws. These entities are allegedly operating without proper licenses, evading taxes, and engaging in unauthorized betting operations targeting Indian users.
In a decisive action, DGGI has blocked 357 websites found to be facilitating illegal betting and gambling activities. Furthermore, 2,000 bank accounts linked to these platforms have been provisionally attached to prevent the flow of illicit funds.
The crackdown has already resulted in the arrest of three individuals directly involved in facilitating online money gaming in India. Authorities confirmed that these arrests are part of a broader probe into financial crimes related to online gaming and illegal betting syndicates.
DGGI officials stated that the focus remains on tracing the money trail, uncovering hawala transactions, and identifying payment gateways used for unlawful gaming transactions. Investigators are also coordinating with financial institutions to track suspicious fund flows linked to gaming wallets and bank accounts used for betting.
The action comes at a time when illegal online betting spikes during IPL, making it a lucrative period for unscrupulous gaming entities. The DGGI aims to disrupt these operations and ensure strict enforcement of Indian gambling and taxation laws.
Officials emphasized that offshore gaming platforms operating in violation of Indian law will face strict penalties, including prosecution and financial action. The central government has reiterated its commitment to tackle illegal online betting and ensure fair play during the IPL season.
The DGGI’s actions serve as a warning to users and platforms engaging in unauthorized online betting, reinforcing the need for compliance with Indian legal frameworks.
