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In 2023, India’s Enforcement Directorate cracked down on several betting apps. Some of those include the Mahadev Book and Lotus365. These are platforms operating illegal networks disguised as entertainment platforms.
Some of these apps promised fairness and safety while running unregulated operations tied to money laundering and offshore shell companies. That then raised a big question: how many other betting apps are doing the same under the radar?
Indian users are now left to figure out on their own which platforms are legit and which ones are just waiting to exploit them. This article looks at what these apps offer in terms of player protection, how much of it works, and what still leaves users completely exposed.
Are Indian Betting Apps Even Regulated?
Technically, betting is illegal in most parts of India. But the loophole is simple: there’s no law that outright bans online betting when the app is hosted outside the country. That’s how most platforms operate. They're licensed in places like Curaçao, Malta, or the Isle of Man, and they accept Indian players using INR, UPI, or crypto.
So, while these apps market themselves to Indian users, they’re not answerable to Indian authorities. There's no clear regulatory body in India that oversees their practices. This is even if the country has the Public Gaming Act of 1867 and the Information Technology Act of 2002. Both have no mentions of anything that’s gambling online.
Are the Online Betting Platforms Themselves Offering Player Protection?
Most of the safest online betting sites in India have a “Responsible Gambling” tab somewhere on their site. It usually lists features like deposit limits, session reminders, self-exclusion, and links to global help orgs like GamCare or Gambling Therapy. Some even let you set daily or monthly loss caps.
Betway, for example, lets users freeze their account or take a cooling-off period. Parimatch offers a few toggle-based limits under account settings. Then, Bet365’s India site has structured self-exclusion tools that mirror its global standards.
However, it’s evident that some sites bury these options deep in the menus or offer the bare minimum just to check the box. It looks good on paper, but most users won’t even find them unless they’re actively searching. Gambling sites rarely offer responsible gambling tools upfront, like as soon as you sign up. But still, they exist.
Where Even the Best Indian Betting Apps Still Fall Short
Let’s start with age checks. Most Indian betting apps ask if you’re 18, but few verify it properly. You can make an account, deposit money, and start betting without uploading an ID. Some only ask for documents when you try to withdraw.
There’s also no Indian-based helpline listed anywhere. If you’re in trouble, your only options are overseas email support or links to UK help sites. That disconnect makes local users feel like they’re on their own.
Another big problem is marketing. These platforms use influencers, actors, and even cricketers to promote betting. Bonuses are pushed aggressively, especially during the IPL or World Cup season. App notifications spam you with promos. None of that is regulated.
What Responsible Betting Should Look Like in India
First off, real-time monitoring would help. If a user deposits five times in a day, that should trigger a warning. If they lose big and keep topping up, the app should pause their account or freeze betting for a few hours. No app is doing that right now.
There should also be verified age checks upfront. If KYC is required to withdraw, it should be required to play. And player data (like time spent on the app or average bet size) should be visible in the dashboard. Most users don’t realize how much they’re betting until it’s too late.
Government regulation could set standards, like mandatory exclusions or licensing requirements for INR-based betting apps. But for now, nothing is stopping these apps from operating however they want.
Final Take
Honestly, not completely. Most of the responsibility is left to the user. The apps might talk about safety, but enforcement is still weak. There are no consistent rules, no real consequences, and very little oversight in online gaming activities in the country.
So, if you’re going to use them, be proactive. Set your limits. Track your spending. Take breaks. Because if things get out of control, don’t expect the app to stop you. Many of them won’t. That said, always try to find betting apps that take responsible gambling seriously.
- Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com
