As of January 2026, Bet365 is not officially operating in India. The platform exited the market in August 2023 after the government introduced a 28 percent GST on the total betting amount, making operations commercially unviable for large international betting companies.
Following the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, all real-money online betting is now banned nationwide, making platforms like Bet365 explicitly illegal for Indian users, even if accessed through VPNs or mirror links.
Although Bet365 may still appear accessible through unofficial methods, it is neither legal nor supported in India, and users face high risks with no protection in case of payment or account issues.
Reasons Why Bet365 Got Banned in India
The decision stemmed from a mix of tax-related pressures, regulatory challenges, and recent legal changes. Below are the key reasons behind Bet365’s exit and current ban in India.
1. Increased GST on Betting
The Indian government raised the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on online betting from 18% to 28% in 2023, calculated on the total amount wagered, not just platform revenue or winnings.
This sharply increased operating costs for platforms like Bet365, making it difficult to sustain profitability. For instance, on a ₹1,000 bet, ₹280 goes directly as tax regardless of the outcome, significantly impacting both users and operators.
2. Nationwide Ban Under Online Gaming Law (2025)
Earlier, online betting laws in India were ambiguous and varied from state to state. However, this changed with the introduction of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
The law imposes a nationwide ban on all forms of real-money online gaming and betting, overriding state-level variations. Under this framework, platforms like Bet365 are now explicitly prohibited, regardless of whether they operate from offshore locations or are accessed through VPNs or mirror links.
3. Financial and Legal Burden of Compliance
Beyond higher GST, the new law criminalises the operation, promotion, and financial facilitation of real-money betting platforms. Payment processors and banks are also barred from supporting such platforms.
This has added substantial legal and compliance risks, making the Indian market unattractive for international operators like Bet365, which typically prefer jurisdictions with clear licensing and predictable regulatory environments.
4. Strategic Focus on Profitable Markets
Bet365 operates across multiple regulated markets worldwide and prioritises regions with favourable tax structures and licensing frameworks. Exiting India allows the company to focus on countries where online betting is legally permitted and commercially viable, without exposure to regulatory uncertainty or enforcement action.
Can Bet 365 Return To India?
At present, Bet365 cannot legally operate in India under the existing legal framework. A return would require major legal reform, including the rollback or amendment of the nationwide ban on real-money online betting.
Even if future regulations are introduced, Bet365 would need to obtain licences, comply with strict tax rules, and meet requirements related to responsible gambling, data protection, and financial transparency.
Until such changes occur, Bet365’s operations in India remain prohibited, and users are strongly advised to avoid accessing the platform through unofficial or unauthorised methods.
Since Bet365 is no longer available in India, many cricket fans are actively searching for other platforms to stay involved during matches. If you are looking for options, you can try these alternatives that offer access to multiple cricket betting apps and features. These platforms help users continue following their favourite teams and tournaments without interruption.
Top 3 Bet365 Alternatives In India
After the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, real-money online betting platforms are banned nationwide in India. As a result, there are no direct legal alternatives to Bet365 for real-money sports betting at present.
However, Indian users who still want to engage with sports-related gaming can consider non-monetary or free-to-play platforms, particularly those that have shifted away from real-money formats to comply with the new law.
Below are some safer, non-betting alternatives that focus on skill-based gameplay or free participation.
1. Dream11
Type: Fantasy Sports (Free-to-Play & Practice Contests)
Dream11, historically known for paid fantasy contests, has increasingly promoted free-to-play and practice formats after the 2025 gaming law. Users can create fantasy teams for cricket, football, and other sports without staking money.
These contests focus on strategy and sports knowledge rather than betting, making them a safer option for users who want to enjoy fantasy sports without legal or financial risk.
Users can participate in free-to-play and practice contests on platforms like Dream11, allowing sports enthusiasts to test their strategic skills without staking real money or worrying about withdrawals.
2. MPL (Mobile Premier League)
Type: Skill-Based Games (Free Games & Practice Modes)
MPL offers a wide range of skill-based games, including fantasy sports, chess, and casual arcade games. Post-2025, the platform has expanded free-entry games and non-cash formats, allowing users to play purely for entertainment.
Its wide game selection and tournament-style gameplay make it suitable for users looking for competitive fun without real-money betting.
3. My11Circle
Type: Fantasy Sports (Free Contests)
My11Circle allows users to participate in free fantasy contests, especially during major cricket tournaments. These formats let players test their sports knowledge and team-selection skills without wagering money.
For users missing the strategic element of betting, free fantasy formats offer a legal and risk-free alternative.
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Conclusion: Bet365 Got Banned In India Due To Legal Reasons
Bet365 is not legally available in India under the current legal framework. While high GST and regulatory pressure initially led to its exit, the situation has become clearer after the 2025 online gaming law, which imposes a nationwide ban on real-money betting platforms.
Although some users still attempt to access Bet365 using VPNs or alternate links, doing so now involves greater legal, financial, and operational risks, including blocked payments and loss of funds with no recourse.
For Indian users, it is safer to avoid offshore betting platforms altogether and stick to platforms that operate within India’s legal boundaries. The online betting landscape continues to evolve, but as of now, Bet365 remains completely out of the Indian market, and accessing it comes with risks that outweigh any potential benefits.
FAQs
Yes. Under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, all real-money online betting and gaming is banned nationwide in India. This applies regardless of whether the platform is Indian or offshore.
There are no legal real-money betting alternatives to Bet365 in India at present. Users can only access free-to-play or non-monetary fantasy and skill-based platforms that comply with Indian law.
The government applies 28% GST on the full wager value, not just platform revenue, to curb excessive betting and increase tax compliance. This has significantly raised costs for both users and betting operators.
A return is highly unlikely under current law. Bet365 can only re-enter if the nationwide ban on real-money betting is repealed or significantly amended.
Indian bettors have lost access to legal betting platforms. Many users have shifted to offshore sites, which carry higher financial and legal risks and offer no user protection.
Users outside India should choose platforms that are legal and licensed in their country, offer secure payment methods, follow responsible gambling practices, and provide transparent policies on withdrawals, taxes, and user protection.
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