India bans online gambling, but what about illegal cricket betting?

India’s parliament on Wednesday passed a bill banning online gambling, a move aimed at addressing what authorities call a growing national crisis. Estimates suggest around 45 crore people in the country lose roughly ₹20,000 crore every year through online gambling.

Through dozens of mobile applications, people engage in online betting on card games, Teen Patti, Poker, Worli Matka, and cricket. The trend has been linked to financial strain, social disruption, and family tensions. Many users accumulate debt or sell household belongings to fund their habits.

Legal battles loom over app restrictions

While the government has moved to restrict gaming apps, legal challenges are expected in the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the bookie market remains active. “Cricket betting is already illegal in India, so how can any new law apply to it?” one operator asked. Experts note that illegal betting could continue despite new regulations.

The government aims to protect youth and prevent billions of rupees from being laundered abroad through online betting. Companies running legally licensed gaming apps, however, are preparing for legal challenges, and authorities may face financial trade-offs of up to ₹20,000 crore in enforcement efforts.

Skill-based games and evolving business models

A central technical issue is whether real-money games should be classified as “skill-based”. Many apps now offer free entry, reward players with prizes instead of cash, and generate revenue through advertising. This shift complicates government oversight and enforcement.

Cricket betting remains a major concern

Illegal cricket betting is estimated at ₹30,000 crore annually. Despite being banned in Gujarat and several other states, bookies predict that the activity will continue. Most betting servers operate from abroad, and many wanted by police remain at large. Authorities warn that unless thrill-seeking among punters is addressed, online and offline betting could persist.

Could offline bookies regain dominance?

In Gujarat, discussions among bookies suggest that restrictions on online apps may push users back to offline betting. Currently, only about 1% of gamblers use traditional bookies, but this number could rise if digital platforms are curtailed.

The financial footprint of India’s gaming sector

Around 400 companies operate money-based gaming apps in India, employing roughly 200,000 people. These businesses generate ₹20,000 crore in GST, attract about $2.5 billion in foreign investment, and spend nearly ₹3,000 crore annually on advertising.

The government plans to promote non-monetary skill-based gaming apps to channel youth towards talent and mental skill development. E-sports that do not involve money are being considered for inclusion in future Olympics.

Stricter penalties under the new law

Current fines for cricket bookies in Gujarat are minimal, sometimes as low as ₹200, with jail terms of one to three months for repeat offences. Under the new law, penalties range from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore and imprisonment from two to five years. Enforcement could potentially curb both online gambling and illegal betting if applied consistently across states.

Fragmented state-level policies

Despite the national ban, state policies remain uneven. Sikkim and Nagaland have introduced regulatory frameworks, while Tamil Nadu and Telangana have imposed outright bans. Many states, including Gujarat, have yet to issue clear guidelines, raising questions about uniform enforcement.