Online betting has become increasingly popular in India, leading to a surge in betting apps. However, many platforms operate illegally, prompting the Indian government to ban them to protect users and maintain legal integrity.
Below is a list of notable betting apps banned in India, the reasons for their prohibition, and the year they were banned.
Overview Table: Banned Betting Apps In India
Here’s a table with reasons for the apps being banned. Take a look.
| App Name | Year Banned | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Betway | 2023 | Violation of local laws |
| MELBET | 2023 | Unauthorized operations |
| AndarBahar Poker | 2023 | Promoted illegal gambling |
| Silver Luck | 2023 | Unregulated casino games |
| Big Winner | 2023 | Misleading advertisements |
| Betfair Live Line | 2023 | Non-compliance with laws |
| Zodiac Casino | 2023 | Unlicensed gambling |
| SuperDraft Sportsbook | 2023 | Offshore betting operations |
| Betstamp | 2023 | Illegal financial betting |
| Live Blackjack | 2023 | Unregulated casino games |
| Onside Sports | 2023 | Violation of betting rules |
| Fun88 | 2023 | Unlicensed operations |
| Betindi | 2023 | Promoted illegal betting |
| PokerStars | 2023 | Breach of Online Gaming Laws |
| Live Baccarat | 2023 | Unlicensed casino games |
| Jackpot City Casino | 2023 | Offshore gambling activities |
| Spin Casino | 2023 | Unauthorized operations |
| Bambet | 2023 | Non-compliance with laws |
| Tivit Bet App | 2023 | Promoted illegal betting |
| BetM | 2023 | Violation of local laws |
The Enforcement Directorate of India announced the ban in Dec 2023.
Detailed Explanations Of Each Banned Betting Apps in India
The rise of online betting apps in India has led to increased scrutiny from authorities, resulting in bans on several platforms. Below is a detailed examination of each banned betting app in India.
Read more about each of the banned apps below.
1. Betway
Betway was one of the most popular sports betting platforms globally, offering a wide range of sports markets, including cricket, football, and esports.
Despite its popularity, the app was banned in India because it operated without obtaining the necessary government licenses. It also lacked transparency regarding data protection and payment security, raising concerns about user safety.
2. MELBET
MELBET gained traction in India due to its competitive odds, live betting options, and variety of casino games. However, the app was banned as it did not comply with Indian laws on online gambling and taxation.
Reports suggested that it was linked to unauthorized financial transactions, making it a target for regulatory action.
3. AndarBahar Poker
This app specialized in traditional Indian card games like Andar Bahar and Poker. Despite its appeal to Indian audiences, the app was banned for promoting gambling without proper permissions.
Authorities also raised concerns about the app’s lack of age restrictions, potentially exposing minors to gambling.
4. Silver Luck
Silver Luck was an online casino app that provided slot games, roulette, and blackjack. It was banned for encouraging unregulated gambling and failing to secure user data.
Many complaints were filed against the app for issues like delayed payouts and fraudulent activities.
5. Big Winner
Big Winner attracted users with promises of high rewards in casino games and sports betting.
However, the app was banned due to concerns about money laundering and its failure to follow India’s regulatory framework for financial transactions.
6. Betfair Live Line
Betfair Live Line offered real-time betting updates and odds for various sports. Its ban stemmed from operating in the Indian market without proper licensing.
Additionally, its association with offshore servers raised red flags about financial security and regulatory compliance.
7. Zodiac Casino
Zodiac Casino was a well-known international platform offering online slots and other casino games. It was banned in India for failing to adhere to local gambling regulations.
Its bonus schemes often required users to make significant deposits, leading to financial exploitation.
8. SuperDraft Sportsbook
SuperDraft Sportsbook catered to sports enthusiasts with fantasy leagues and betting options. Its ban was due to its unlicensed operations and concerns over user data safety.
The app also faced criticism for misleading advertisements and lack of customer support.
9. Betstamp
Betstamp was an app that aggregated betting odds from multiple platforms, helping users compare and place bets.
It was banned in India because it facilitated access to unlicensed betting platforms, making it a part of the illegal gambling ecosystem.
10. Live Blackjack
This app focused on live blackjack games, allowing users to play with real dealers.
Despite its popularity, it was banned for promoting unauthorized gambling and failing to implement safeguards against compulsive gambling.
11. Onside Sports
Onside Sports combined live sports scores with betting options.
It was banned for providing access to unregulated gambling services and failing to comply with financial transparency requirements.
12. Fun88
Fun88 was known for its sports betting and online casino games, particularly cricket betting. Its operations were shut down for not adhering to Indian gambling laws.
Authorities were also concerned about its promotion of betting to younger audiences through aggressive marketing.
13. Betindi
Betindi targeted Indian users with local sports betting options like kabaddi and cricket.
However, the app was banned for operating without a license and for its questionable withdrawal policies, which often left users unable to access their winnings.
14. PokerStars
PokerStars, once a global leader in online poker, encountered a ban in India primarily because it failed to adhere to the country’s specific legal and regulatory requirements.
Despite its worldwide reputation for providing secure and high-quality poker experiences, the platform struggled to align with the varying gambling laws across Indian states.
Additionally, concerns about ensuring compliance with tax regulations and preventing access by underage players contributed to its prohibition.
15. Live Baccarat
Live Baccarat offered real-time baccarat games with live dealers, providing an immersive experience for users.
The app was banned for failing to adhere to Indian gambling regulations, raising concerns about user safety and the promotion of gambling among minors.
16. Jackpot City Casino
This casino app offered popular games like slots and roulette, attracting a wide and enthusiastic user base. However, it faced a ban due to its promotion of unregulated gambling, which violated local laws.
Additionally, the app failed to implement adequate measures to safeguard user data, leaving players vulnerable to potential security breaches and fraud. The lack of transparency and accountability further raised concerns.
17. Spin Casino
Spin Casino was known for its online slot games and dynamic interface, which gained significant traction among users.
It faced a ban for conducting illegal operations and failing to comply with financial transaction norms, which posed risks to users’ funds and privacy.
18. Bambet
Bambet offered a mix of sports betting and casino games, catering to a diverse audience.
The app was banned due to unauthorized operations, lack of transparency in fund handling, and its failure to implement responsible gambling measures.
19. Tivit Bet App
Before the ban, Tivit Bet provided a range of casino and sports betting options, making it popular among enthusiasts.
However, it was banned for its association with fraudulent practices, unlicensed operations, and its inability to prevent misuse of its platform by underage users.
20. BetM
BetM targeted Indian users with cricket betting and live casino games, focusing on a sport deeply loved in the country.
It was banned for non-compliance with gambling laws, concerns over money laundering, and its failure to provide transparency in transactions.
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Conclusion: Indian Government Banned Some Betting Apps To Ensure Safety
The banning of betting apps in India highlights the government’s effort to protect citizens from the risks of unregulated gambling. These measures aim to curb illegal activities and ensure safety, but the debate around regulated gambling stays.
For now, users must prioritize safety by avoiding illegal platforms and staying informed about local laws.
Remember that smart choices can help you sail through the digital world without falling victim to risks.
FAQs
These apps were banned due to illegal operations, financial fraud, data privacy risks, and non-compliance with Indian gambling laws.
Currently, betting and gambling are largely illegal in India. However, some states allow regulated gambling activities, and users should check local laws for guidance.
Using a banned app can lead to penalties, including fines and legal action. Your data and financial security may also be at risk.
While possible, these apps would need to comply with Indian laws and obtain proper licenses. This could involve significant changes to their operations.
Illegal apps often lack proper licenses, have unclear terms of service, and operate in jurisdictions where gambling is prohibited. Always verify legitimacy before engaging.
Online gambling is regulated differently across states. Some states permit certain forms of gambling, while others have banned it completely.
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