India’s Illegal Online Gambling Surges with 1.6 Billion Visits in Three Months, Prompting Regulatory Concerns

India’s Illegal Online Gambling Surges with 1.6 Billion Visits in Three Months, Prompting Regulatory Concerns
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Illegal Online Gambling in India Sees 1.6 Billion Visits Despite Government Crackdowns

During the past three months, online betting platforms have received more than 1.6 billion visits from Indian users. Multiple government initiatives to control this problem have not succeeded in stopping the growth of illicit operations. The unregulated gambling market benefits from sophisticated marketing strategies and effortless payment solutions operated by operators who avoid legal action through these measures, thus accelerating the growth of online betting.

Rising Popularity of Mirror Websites and Unregulated Platforms

The illegal gambling industry heavily relies on mirror websites as vital components to function correctly. Operators use these sites to bypass government limitations, making it hard for authorities to control the gambling market. The report from Digital India Foundation reveals that mirror sites received 266 million visits during the entire period. Because of this expansion, the rising popularity of illegal betting activities has become more accessible, demonstrating that these systems resist shutdown efforts by regulators.

These illicit websites receive their main traffic flow through social media platforms. Facebook's ad network has gained tremendous popularity because of gambling-related promotions, even though regulations officially forbid such ads. 

Complex digital marketing methods prove essential in drawing people toward unregulated betting services. The continuous upward trend demonstrates that underhand gambling sites have made deep roots within modern India's digital framework.

Government Actions and the Need for a Comprehensive Approach

Although the Indian government has attempted to block gambling websites and give warnings, there are no substantial results that stop illegal gambling operations. The lack of consistent enforcement alongside digital marketing advancements has made platform management increasingly complex. A research paper from the Digital India Foundation documented evidence showing that online gambling networks enable money laundering and terror funding crimes.

According to this research, a comprehensive strategy should be implemented to solve the situation. Educated analysts indicate that India must transition past its unconnected approach to enforcement measures. Digital media channels must face intensified regulatory measures because they promote sites that break the law. 

Better financial rules and standards would enable the blocking of illegal gambling transactions passing through criminal systems. The report demonstrates successful illegal gambling reduction through website restrictions, payment blocking, and marketing bans established in the UK and Norway.

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