Goa police blocked 371 websites, arrested 109 persons for online gambling in 2025
In 2025, police in the Indian state of **Goa took major action against illegal online gambling by blocking 371 gambling and betting websites and arresting 109 people linked to such activity, according to reports shared in the state’s Legislative Assembly. The crackdown was driven by concerns over the rise of online wagering, including Indian Premier League (IPL)-related betting, and marked the first time in several years that Goa police used website blocking as part of their enforcement tools.
Officials said police stations across the state were instructed to track social media and web platforms for unlicensed gambling activity, leading to takedown notices being issued to internet service providers and domain registrars under relevant Indian cybercrime and IT laws. The arrests included individuals operating or facilitating access to these illegal platforms, and First Information Reports (FIRs) were also filed in many cases related to cricket betting and online gaming. Goa’s government appealed to the public to report suspected gambling sites to help protect vulnerable users from fraud and financial exploitation inherent in such illegal activities.
