The Rising Concern of Banned Betting Apps in India: What You Need to Know
With smartphones and affordable internet booming in India, mobile apps and games have become super popular. One trend mixing sports and tech is sports betting apps. While some are legal, many operate illegally and have been banned by the government. But why all the fuss? Let’s dive in.
Why Are Betting Apps Banned?
The main law, the Public Gambling Act of 1867, makes betting illegal in India. Many of these apps break the rules by promoting gambling, doing shady money transactions like laundering, and risking users’ finances and personal data. Plus, they’re addictive, especially for youngsters, causing huge money losses and even debts.
Government’s Crackdown on Illegal Apps
The Indian government, through the Ministry of Electronics & IT, regularly blocks betting apps on platforms like Google Play and Apple App Store. Despite bans, many apps reappear under new names, so users must be cautious.
Top Betting Apps Banned in India
Apps like Betway, 1xBet, MELBET, Zodiac Casino, and Big Winner were banned mainly for operating without licenses, promoting gambling, financial frauds, and exposing minors. Even popular apps focusing on cricket betting like Dafabet and 10Cric faced bans. These apps often lacked transparency, breached payment security, and ignored safety norms.
What About Fantasy Sports Apps?
Apps like Dream11 are mostly legal since they focus on skill-based games, not just luck. However, some states like Telangana and Assam have banned even these. Due to recent laws, Dream11 has suspended cash games and is working with authorities. Similarly, MPL and Pokerbaazi have paused real-money gaming for now.
What Should Users Do?
Trying to use banned apps—even via VPN—is risky. You may lose money, face fraud, or break laws. The safer bet is to stick to legal, skill-based fantasy sports or esports apps that don’t involve real-money gambling.
Final Thoughts
Betting apps might seem fun with big rewards, but they come with serious risks of addiction, fraud, and legal trouble. The government’s ban aims to protect everyday users from these harms. So choose wisely and play safe