As the excitement builds for the highly anticipated start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on March 23, 2025, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) is ramping up its efforts against illegal offshore online gaming entities. The upcoming cricket tournament, which draws massive attention and gambling activity, has prompted significant action from the government to crack down on these illicit platforms.
According to a senior government official, "Given the IPL is going to kickoff from tomorrow, a lot of offshore applications offering illegal betting are active. Since they are registered abroad, they defy Indian laws and operate without paying GST." With this reality in mind, the DGGI is vigilantly monitoring around 700 offshore entities involved in online money gaming, betting, and gambling.
The DGGI, in coordination with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has taken substantial steps to tackle the influx of illegal betting sites. To date, they have successfully blocked 357 websites and URLs associated with non-compliant offshore online gaming entities under Section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
In addition to blocking websites, the DGGI has provisionally attached approximately 2,000 bank accounts linked to these illegal operations. Furthermore, they have put another 392 bank accounts connected to Unified Payments Interface (UPI) IDs found on these websites under a debit freeze. These accounts collectively hold a staggering ₹122 crore, displaying the magnitude of the illegal betting market.
The empowerment of the DGGI to issue take-down notices to intermediaries hosting such illegal offshore online money gaming websites is a significant development. This authority stems from Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, and Section 4A(3) of the Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. This legal backing enhances the DGGI's ability to pursue non-compliant entities aggressively.
The measures being implemented underscore the government's commitment to enforcing compliance with Indian laws concerning gambling. The IPL season is notorious for heightened gambling activity, which further complicates the landscape as more bettors turn to these offshore platforms that operate outside the jurisdiction of Indian regulations.
While the anticipation of the IPL matches generates excitement among fans and bettors alike, it inadvertently sheds light on the darker side of sports betting in India. The government’s actions signal a crackdown on not just the facilitators of these operations, but also aim to protect consumers and ensure that tax revenue is not lost to illegal activities.
The DGGI's scrutiny over these entities serves dual purposes—safeguarding Indian regulations and also maintaining the integrity of the IPL. As the tournament progresses, the DGGI will continue to monitor the situation, ensuring that illegal betting does not overshadow the thrill of the tournament.
With over 700 offshore companies under surveillance, the work of the DGGI is critical. Stakeholders in the gaming industry are closely observing these developments, particularly as the IPL attracts significant gambling interest every season. It's not only about compliance but also about ensuring that the competitive spirit of sports is maintained without undue influence from illegal activities.
As fans gear up for another thrilling season of cricket, the DGGI is reminding the public of the legal risks associated with engaging in or facilitating illegal betting. The authorities are sending a strong message: illegal gambling will not be tolerated, especially when it undermines the legal frameworks established to protect consumers and businesses within the country.
The DGGI's proactive response ahead of the IPL reflects a growing recognition of the need for regulatory action in the realm of online gaming and betting. As online platforms continue to develop and thrive, regulatory bodies like the DGGI are tasked with staying one step ahead of those who might seek to exploit gaps in the legal system.
Ultimately, through these ongoing measures, the DGGI hopes to eradicate the influence of illegal offshore betting, ensuring a fair and compliant gaming environment during one of India’s most beloved sporting events.
