Risks of Banned Betting Apps in India
These apps are banned due to the risk they pose to users. Here are some potential risks associated with the fastest-growing betting apps in India.
Illegal Gambling
These betting apps are being banned in India because they promote betting, which is illegal under the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
Money Laundering
Money apps move money outside India without proper regulations, which is strictly an unlawful activity in India.
Addiction
These games tend to make people addicted; usually, younger people lose large amounts and fall into debt.
Financial Losses and Frauds
Most of these betting apps are likely to cause financial fraud, including money laundering, non-payment of winnings to players, and data theft.
Government Action on Banned Betting Apps
The Indian government has been very active in blocking betting apps. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) regularly issues orders to ban unsafe apps. App stores like Google Play and Apple App Store also remove them when flagged. Every year, dozens of websites and apps linked to betting are blocked. Still, many try to reappear with new names, which makes it important for users to stay alert. Let's be aware!
Banned Betting Apps in India
The following is the list of the banned betting apps in India.
Betway
Betway is one of the most famous sports betting apps that operates globally, offering a wide range of sports markets, including cricket, football, and esports. The reason this app was banned in India was that it was operating without a necessary government license. It also disregarded various necessary protocols, including a lack of transparency and payment security, and violated terms regarding user safety.
AndarBahar Poker
AndarBahar Poker specialises in traditional Indian card games like the AndarBahar and Poker. The app was banned for promoting gambling and operating without the required permissions. The app was also held responsible for exposing minors to gambling without any age restrictions.
MELBET
MELBET gained significance in India due to its competitive odds, live betting options, and a variety of casino games. The app was banned due to unauthorised financial transactions and non-compliance with Indian laws on online gambling and taxation.
Zodiac Casino
The Zodiac Casino is a well-known app and an international platform that offers online slots and other casino games. The reason it was banned in India was due to the failure to adhere to the gambling regulations. The worst feature of this app was its bonus schemes, which compelled users to make significant deposits, ultimately leading to financial exploitation.
Onside Sports
Onside Sports was an app that combined live sports scores with betting options, encouraging users to make bets. This app was banned for providing access to gambling services and for failing to uphold financial transparency requirements.
Big Winner
Big Winner is another banned betting app in India, which attracted users with promises of high rewards in the casino games and sports betting. It was banned due to money laundering, and it also failed to follow the regulatory framework for financial transactions.
1xBet
1xBet is another betting app in India that is known worldwide. It was banned in India for facilitating illegal money transactions and unlicensed betting. It offers a game-like casino, 1xBet, TV games, Bingo, and Bitcoin.
Fun88
Fun88 is a betting app known for its sports betting and online casino games, especially cricket. The reason it was banned was that it did not adhere to Indian gambling laws. Additionally, it promoted betting to younger audiences through aggressive marketing.
Live Blackjack
Live Blackjack is a betting app that focuses on live blackjack games and is also a banned betting app in India, which allows users to play with real dealers. The game was banned as it was promoting unauthorised gambling and was also not implementing the safety measures against compulsive gambling.
Bet365
Bet365 is a betting app that offers sports and casino betting. It was blocked because of gambling, which is illegal in most states of India.
Dafabet
Dafabet is a betting app in India that is known for its cricket betting. It was banned due to safety concerns and is not licensed in India.
10Cric
10Cric is a betting app in India that focuses on cricket betting and is also restricted due to violations of gambling laws.
Updates on Other Popular Apps
Dream11
The Dream11 game app, one of the most popular fantasy sports apps, has an uncertain legal status. However, Dream 11, in a statement posted on its website on Friday, noted that, following the passing of the bill, "cash games and contests have been discontinued", but also urged fans to "stay tuned".
MPL
Even apps like Mobile Premiere Leagues (MPL) have said that it has suspended all RMG offerings. "While new deposits will no longer be accepted, customers will be able to withdraw their balances seamlessly," a company spokesperson said. It also added that "Our focus was always to be the largest competitive gaming platform in the world, irrespective of the business model, and we remain committed to providing competitive, free-to-play, non-money-based gaming experiences to our customers in India. We will keep our community informed about next steps as we complete the shutdown process for online money games," the spokesperson added.
Pokerbaazi
Pokerbaazi, India's most trusted online poker game platform, has announced a halt to its real-money online gaming services. Their decision follows the passage of the Online Gaming Bill by the Parliament, and the company said that the suspension is effective immediately, and it will assess its next steps after the bill becomes a law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banned Betting Apps In India
Why Has the Government Banned Betting Apps in India?
Betting apps are banned because they involve illegal gambling, promote money laundering, and also lead to financial and mental health issues.
Can I Still Access Banned Betting Apps in India Using VPNs?
Even if you use a VPN, it is risky. Because you may lose money, expose your data, and still break the Indian laws. However, a better alternative for this could be the best online cricket games.
Are Fantasy Sports Apps like Dream11 Banned in India?
No, fantasy sports apps are legal in most states because they are based on skill rather than luck, and there are no benefits to playing these betting sports. However, they are banned in many states, such as Telangana and Assam.
Betting apps may look exciting and promising, but they come with big risks. The government bans them to protect people from fraud, addiction, and money loss. So instead of risking money and security, users should explore safe and legal alternatives like fantasy sports or esports.