India is becoming a global hotbed for illegal online betting, according to CUTS International. The report reveals that 15 unauthorised betting platforms, including 1xBet, Parimatch, Stake, Fairplay, and BateryBet, received over 5.4 billion visits during FY25.

These platforms, which operate without regulation, are estimated to handle annual deposits of nearly $100 billion. Many of them bypass main safeguards such as KYC verification and age checks. As a result, young users and minors can easily access risky gambling content.

Foreign operators like Parimatch have adopted payment on delivery options. This allows individuals without access to digital payments, including minors, to place repeated bets without regulation. The report highlights this as a dangerous trend posing serious risks to users and national security.

Lack of Regulation Exposes Vulnerable Users

Pradeep Mehta, founder and secretary general of CUTS, said, “This report’s policy gap assessment reveals a disturbing reality. While other countries are building strong enforcement partnerships and introducing penalties, India still lacks basic safeguards. We must act quickly to protect users and ensure accountability.”

The report also flags a total absence of advertising norms and protection tools for illegal gambling. It calls for the creation of a central regulatory authority to monitor and address these challenges.

In March 2025, Parimatch saw more online traffic than some of the country’s most visited platforms, including Amazon and Google. This highlights the extensive reach of illegal gambling and its deep penetration into India’s digital space.

Aggressive Growth Tactics Drive Platform Popularity

The appeal of these sites lies in their easy access and psychological design. Platforms like Stake and 1xBet are built to intensify the thrill of betting, making them especially attractive to those prone to impulsive behavior.

What’s driving their growth is aggressive user targeting. According to the report, 66 percent of all over 3.5 billion traffic visits came through direct links, showing users are manually accessing these platforms. This creates a false sense of trust and brand legitimacy.

These platforms also invest heavily in advertising. They flood the market with significant messaging through

television spots, outdoor billboards, and celebrity endorsements. Google search is another major discovery tool, with over 650 million visits coming through search engine results, aided by smart SEO strategies.

Need for Stronger Enforcement and a National Framework

The operators use loopholes in India’s payment system to move money, such as mule accounts, and third-party apps. Tools like XHelper also help coordinate large money mule networks and keep illegal transactions flowing under the radar.

In response, the Ministry of Finance announced enforcement actions in March 2025. These include probes into nearly 700 offshore entities, blocking 357 websites, and freezing close to 2,000 bank accounts. While these efforts mark progress, the report argues they are still reactive and lack scale.

CUTS recommends that India adopt a comprehensive national strategy to combat illegal gambling, including tighter rules on payments and digital platforms on global best practices.