Context:
Over 5.4 billion visits were recorded in FY25 to the top 15 unauthorised gambling platforms, including 1xBet, Parimatch, Stake, Fairplay, and BateryBet, according to a report by CUTS International.
- Estimated annual deposits on these illegal platforms: $100 billion.
- High direct traffic share (66% of 5.4 billion visits) shows strong brand recall and engagement, largely bypassing search engines or regulated app ecosystems.
Major Policy and Enforcement Gaps
- No central regulator for online betting/gambling in India.
- Lack of:
- KYC norms
- Age verification protocols
- Payment-blocking mechanisms
- Monitoring of advertising and domain activity
- Minors and young adults have unregulated access due to absence of safeguards.
- Some platforms (e.g., Parimatch) use cash-on-delivery payment models, further easing access for underage users.
National Security & Consumer Harm
- Platforms siphon crores of rupees abroad, raising national security concerns.
- Psychologically manipulative design increases risk of gambling addiction, particularly among:
- Youth
- Sensation-seeking and impulsive individuals
- These sites offer high-stakes, immersive experiences designed to promote risky betting behavior.
Alarming Online Visibility
- In March 2025, Parimatch’s traffic surpassed major Indian domains like:
- amazon.in
- wikipedia.org
- google.co.in
- flipkart.com
- linkedin.com
Aggressive User Acquisition & Engagement Strategies
- Use of:
- Mass media advertising (TV, billboards)
- Celebrity endorsements
- Private channel link sharing (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
- These platforms create an illusion of credibility, attracting repeat and long-term users.
Recommendations from CUTS International
- Establish a central gambling regulator
- Ban advertising of illegal betting platforms
- Implement payment gateway restrictions
- Strengthen age and KYC compliance
- Launch public awareness campaigns
