India takes action to block 22 illegal gambling websites, apps

The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has taken action against more than twenty dozen websites and betting applications that are operating illegally as part of its ongoing campaign against illicit gaming.

This move came after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted an investigation into an alleged illegal betting app network. Searches on Mahadev Book, a Chhattisgarh-based operator, as a result of the investigation, revealed that the app was being used illegally.

MeitY issued banning orders affecting 22 illegal websites and applications as a result of this investigation. A.D. and B.S.Y., two more individuals, were taken into custody due to possible violations of Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act of India. Money laundering is considered a major offense under this clause, although it is unclear how much they participated in the illegal activity and what kind of penalties they would face.

It’s important to note that despite having 1.5 years to investigate, the Indian government chose not to take down the illegal websites and apps in accordance with Section 69A of the IT Act. Concerns were raised regarding why the Chhattisgarh government had not previously made demands of this kind when the ED made its request.

This move is in line with recent changes in the gambling industry in India, including the hike in the gambling tax to 28%, which is now applied to all bets made on horse races, casinos, and online casinos rather than just the earnings from gaming.

Original story by: Gambling News