India

India’s War on Illegal Gambling: How the PROG Act and OGAI Are Cleaning Up a ₹20,000 Crore Crisis

India's OGAI is cracking down on illegal gambling in 2026. See what the PROG Act bans and what it means for players.

India’s War on Illegal Gambling: How the PROG Act and OGAI Are Cleaning Up a ₹20,000 Crore Crisis
India’s War on Illegal Gambling: How the PROG Act and OGAI Are Cleaning Up a ₹20,000 Crore Crisis

India has a gambling problem that can no longer be ignored. Illegal online money gaming platforms have swallowed an estimated ₹20,000 crores from ordinary citizens, affected around 45 crore people, and driven a wave of addiction, financial ruin, and in the most tragic cases, suicide.

We at Casinoble have gone deep on India’s most decisive effort to fix this. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025 was enacted in August 2025. Its enforcement rules — the Online Gaming Rules, 2026 — came into force on 1 May 2026. Together, they represent the most comprehensive crackdown on illegal gambling in India ever attempted. At the centre of it all is a brand new authority: the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI).

We value responsible gambling 18+

Remember to be careful when gambling online. Never bet money that you cannot afford to lose. Always set a budget for each session so you know when to walk away. Do not drink alcohol when betting online.

Online gambling can be addictive. If you have trouble quitting, or if your behaviour affects your family, seek help from the organisations below.

GamCare BeGambleAware Sikkim Directorate of State Lotteries Goa Acts and Rules