The Indian central government has initiated a significant crackdown on illegal online betting and gambling, blocking 242 website links on January 16, 2026. This latest action brings the total number of illegal betting and gambling platforms taken down to over 7,800. The intensified enforcement follows the passage and implementation of the Online Gaming Act. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, received presidential assent in August 2025, and the online gaming rules officially came into effect on October 1, 2025. Government sources emphasize that these measures are crucial to protect users, especially the youth, from the significant financial and social harm caused by unregulated online betting and gambling platforms. The previous ban on real-money gaming apps in August 2025 also laid the groundwork for this ongoing crackdown. Various credible news outlets, including News18, India TV News, CNBC TV18, Business Standard, Rediff Money, Asianet Newsable, The Economic Times, The Tribune, ANI News, NDTV, and Mint, have widely reported and corroborated this story. The consistent reporting across these sources confirms the accuracy of the claims regarding the number of sites blocked and the government's objectives. This ongoing effort reflects the government's commitment to fostering a safe and responsible digital environment in India.