Several betting apps have been banned in India over the years for different reasons, including illegal gambling, lack of proper licenses, financial fraud, and data misuse.
In recent times, the Online Gaming Act, 2025 has further tightened rules by banning all money-based online gaming, forcing many platforms to shut down or exit the Indian market.
As a result, both foreign betting apps and unregulated platforms are now blocked or restricted, and users are advised to avoid real-money betting apps due to legal and financial risks.
Online Gaming Act 2025 Update
The Online Gaming Bill, 2025 received the President’s assent and became law as the Online Gaming Act, 2025. It continues to be enforced nationwide in 2026, maintaining a complete ban on real-money online gaming in India.
What the law mandates
- All money-based online games are banned, regardless of skill or chance.
- Advertising, sponsorships, and influencer promotions for money-gaming platforms are prohibited.
- Banks, UPI, and card networks are legally barred from processing transactions linked to money-gaming.
- Violations may lead to heavy fines and imprisonment of up to three years.
Who’s impacted
- Real-money gaming and fantasy platforms such as Dream11, Games24x7, WinZO, and My11Circle, which now operate exclusively under free-to-play models.
- Esports and non-monetary competitive gaming are excluded and recognised as a separate legal category.
Top 10 Betting Apps Banned in India
With the Online Gaming Act, 2025 now in force, India has banned all real-money online gaming and betting, including offshore platforms that accept Indian users.
As a result, many international betting sites are now illegal or non-compliant, even if they may still appear accessible.
| Platform Name | Status in India (2026) | Why It’s Impacted |
|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | Banned / Illegal | Offshore betting platform offering real-money wagering, violates the 2025 Act. |
| Stake | Blocked | Offers crypto and cash betting; falls under the nationwide money-gaming ban and is actively blocked by ISPs. |
| Parimatch | Banned / Blocked | Unlicensed foreign betting app offering cash betting to Indian users. |
| Dafabet | Banned / Illegal | Offshore sportsbook and casino operating without Indian approval. |
| Fairplay | Banned / Illegal | Foreign betting platform linked to illegal financial syndicates in India. |
| BC.Game | Not permitted for real-money play | Crypto-based betting platform affected by money-gaming and financial restrictions. |
| Rajabets | Blocked | Offshore betting site prohibited under Indian law. |
| 22Bet | Not permitted for real-money play | Accepts Indian users for betting without Indian licensing; transactions blocked by Indian banks |
| Mostbet | Banned / Illegal | Offshore platform targeted for offering high-stakes gambling and bypassing Indian financial regulations. |
| Megapari | Banned / Blocked | Unlicensed international sportsbook operating in violation of the 2025 money-gaming prohibition. |
What This Means for Users
- Real-money betting or gambling on these platforms is not legal in India under the Online Gaming Act, 2025.
- Bank transfers, UPI, cards, and crypto transactions linked to betting are restricted or blocked.
- Even if an offshore site loads or works using mirror links, using it carries legal and financial risk.
- Only free-to-play games and non-monetary esports competitions are clearly allowed going forward.
Important note: Accessibility does not mean legality. Any platform offering money-based gaming or betting is considered non-compliant under current Indian law.
After the restrictions and bans on many betting apps in India, users started looking for alternative ways to stay involved during matches. Many have now shifted towards options like sportsbook like Mahadev, which offer easier access and continued engagement during cricket tournaments. This shift highlights how user behaviour is adapting based on platform availability and restrictions.
Banned Betting Apps In India (Updated 2026)
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 |
| Winaura | 2025 | Unauthorized gambling platform |
| Winstler42 | 2025 | Violation of gambling regulations |
| Casinohermes | 2025 | Unregulated gambling platform |
| Amunra1 | 2025 | Unlicensed gambling activities |
| Polymarket | 2025 | Non-compliance with financial and anti-gambling laws |
The Enforcement Directorate of India announced the ban in Dec 2023.
Impact of the Online Gaming Act, 2025 – App Categories
| App Category | What Happened? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Banned Betting Apps | Completely blocked and illegal. You cannot access or play on these apps in India. | These are foreign-based apps like 1xBet and Parimatch. The 2025 Act empowers the government to block them at the ISP level and freeze their payment gateways. |
| Indian Fantasy & Card Apps | Changed business model completely. Apps like Dream11, My11Circle, and A23 have removed all real-money games. | The law bans money-for-money play. To stay legal, these apps now only offer free contests with prizes like gadgets or vouchers. |
| Illegal Apps on the Rise | Actively hunted down and blocked. New apps and websites pop up frequently, but are shut down fast. | New apps pop up frequently to bypass blocks. The Online Gaming Authority of India (established 2025) now monitors and shuts these down within 48 hours. |
| Legal “Free-to-Play” Apps | Allowed to continue as usual, since they never offered cash gaming. | These apps, like Fantasy Akhada and PlayerzPot, have always focused on free games or non-cash prizes, making them safe and legal. |
Fantasy Apps Heavily Affected by the Law
| Fantasy App Name | Old Business Model (Before AUG 2025) | New Business Model (After AUG 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Dream11 | Paid entry fees for cash prizes across contests. | 100% Free-to-Play; prizes are gadgets, vouchers, and digital collectibles. |
| My11Circle | “Mega Leagues” with entry fees and large cash prizes. | Free-to-Play fantasy only; all real-money rummy and casual games removed. |
| MPL | Paid entry fees for fantasy, rummy, and multi-games with cash prizes. | Free-to-Play fantasy only; real-money games removed, focus on free games with gift cards. |
| MyTeam11 | Paid leagues and tournaments with real-money rewards. | Free-entry leagues only; no cash rewards, only vouchers and merchandise. |
| A23 (FanFight) | Offered rummy and fantasy contests with paid entries and cash rewards. | All paid contests stopped; shifted to free fantasy/rummy with non-cash prizes. |
| Howzat | Paid leagues and tournaments with cash prizes. | Now runs only Free-to-Play contests with merchandise/gadget rewards. |
| MyFab11 | Allowed paid entry into leagues for cash prizes. | Free-only leagues; paused all real-money formats and shifted to rewards-based play. |
| BalleBaazi | Paid leagues plus signup bonus for cash play. | Free contests only; signup bonus removed, now offers prizes like jerseys and merchandise. |
Fantasy Apps That Continue to Operate Legally
| Fantasy App Name | Business Model (2026) | How It Remains Legal |
|---|---|---|
| Fantasy Akhada | 100% free contests with gadget and voucher rewards. | Never ran cash-for-cash play, fully compliant with the Act. |
| Vision11 | Free leagues offering non-cash prizes like smartphones/gift cards. | Avoids real-money play; operates only with non-cash prizes. |
| PlayerzPot | Free pots & leagues with electronic/gift voucher prizes. | Fully transitioned to non-monetary rewards, making it legal. |
| MyMaster11 | Free sports contests with gadget/voucher prizes. | No entry fee, non-cash prizes only, so it aligns with the Act. |
| Fan2Play | 100% free-entry fantasy leagues with non-cash rewards. | Works entirely on free-entry contests; compliant and unaffected by the ban. |
| CrickPe | Free-entry leagues only (removed old payout system). | Pivoted to free-only contests; remains legal. |
| BatBall11 | Free-only contests with gift voucher rewards. | Dropped all cash formats, now fully compliant with the new law. |
Detailed Explanations Of 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.
Let’s take a detailed look at 20 of the 25 banned betting apps mentioned in the table.
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: All Real-Money Betting Apps Are Now Prohibited in India
The Online Gaming Act, 2025 marks a major shift in India’s digital gaming landscape. By banning money-based betting and gambling apps, blocking payment channels, and targeting illegal offshore platforms, the government aims to reduce financial harm and protect vulnerable users.
Importantly, the law clearly separates esports and free-to-play fantasy apps from gambling. These formats, which involve skill-based, non-monetary competition, remain fully legal and continue to grow with stronger regulation and industry support.
For users, the path forward is straightforward: stay away from money-based gaming apps and choose legal, free-to-play or esports platforms. This ensures safer participation while supporting a responsible gaming ecosystem in India.
FAQs
These apps were banned for running illegal gambling operations, violating the Online Gaming Act 2025, and operating without Indian licenses. Many were linked to financial fraud, offshore payment routes, data-privacy risks, and misleading users with unsafe or unregulated betting services.
No. Under the Online Gaming Act 2025, all money-based online gaming, including betting, gambling, and paid fantasy contests, is banned across India. Only free-to-play apps and non-monetary esports platforms remain legal. Users should avoid offshore or mirror betting sites, as accessing them is also considered unlawful.
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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