Key Highlights:
- Government blocked 357 online gaming websites ahead of IPL 2025 to curb tax evasion.
- Authorities seized 2,400 bank accounts and froze ₹126 crore linked to illegal gaming platforms.
- Celebrities and influencers warned against promoting unregistered gaming websites.
With IPL 2025 just around the corner, the Indian government has taken strict action against illegal online gaming platforms. The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), operating under the Ministry of Finance, has blocked 357 foreign gaming websites. Additionally, around 2,400 bank accounts linked to these platforms have been seized. This move aims to tackle tax evasion and protect Indian users from fraudulent gaming operations.
The crackdown highlights the increasing concern over unregistered foreign gaming websites operating in India. These platforms have been accused of dodging GST regulations and engaging in unauthorized financial activities. To prevent further risks, authorities are intensifying scrutiny over digital gaming transactions.
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IPL 2025 Government Warns Users Against Foreign Gaming Platforms
Alongside the ban, the Finance Ministry has issued an advisory urging users to avoid unregistered foreign gaming websites. The warning also extends to cricketers, Bollywood celebrities, and social media influencers, discouraging them from promoting such platforms. Officials believe that endorsements from public figures could mislead users into engaging with these unauthorized sites, increasing financial risks.
700 Online Gaming Companies Under Investigation
Authorities are currently investigating around 700 foreign gaming companies suspected of evading GST registration. Many of these platforms allegedly use fake bank accounts to facilitate transactions, making it difficult for tax authorities to track them. The probe has already uncovered significant financial discrepancies, with multiple fraudulent operations linked to these companies.
As part of the investigation, 2,400 suspicious bank accounts have been seized, exposing deeper involvement in illegal online gaming activities.
₹126 Crore Withdrawals Blocked
To further strengthen its crackdown on illegal gaming platforms, the DGGI, in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has frozen ₹126 crore in funds. These funds were linked to unauthorized gaming transactions and tax evasion schemes, highlighting the scale of financial misconduct within the sector.
Three Arrests in Ongoing Crackdown
In a major breakthrough, authorities have arrested three individuals associated with illegal gaming networks. The government remains committed to eliminating financial fraud in online gaming while ensuring Indian users are protected from potential scams. Law enforcement agencies continue to work towards stricter regulatory measures to curb tax evasion and money laundering in the gaming sector.
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As IPL 2025 approaches, the government’s decisive action against unregistered gaming platforms underscores its commitment to tackling tax fraud and financial risks. The crackdown on 357 online gaming websites, along with freezing substantial funds and issuing strict warnings, reflects the seriousness of the issue. With stricter regulations and increased surveillance, authorities aim to make the online gaming industry more transparent and accountable.
