Big crackdown by Andhra Pradesh government on online betting, gambling; 132 websites, apps blocked

The Andhra Pradesh government has taken a major step against online betting. State chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy led Andhra Pradesh government has taken the betting space with surprise by launching a massive crackdown against it. The state has banned online gaming, online betting and gambling, and has urged the Centre to direct all internet service providers to block access to 132 websites and apps. 

These include some big names like Paytm First Games, Mobile Premier League and Adda52. Zee Business has reached out to both Paytm First Games and Mobile Premier League for their reaction. We are yet to get a response from either of them. 

Interestingly, the list doesn’t mention Dream11 – another online fantasy gaming platform which is also the main sponsor of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. 

CM Reddy indicated that online betting and gaming have led to widespread despair amongst the public suicides due to losing money, severe addiction and consequent violent behaviour. 

The CM in a letter to IT and telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on October 27 had raised concern over online gaming and online betting fast catching up as a severe social evil leading to youth getting involved in vices like gambling and betting from the comfort of their homes through their mobile phones and computers. 

He had submitted a list of 132 websites and apps which the state believes are involved in offering services like gaming, betting and gambling online. 

In the letter, CM Jagan Reddy said, "I would request you to direct all the internet service providers to block all online gaming, gambling and betting websites and apps from access in Andhra Pradesh". 

CM Jagan Reddy said, "The main objectives of the amendment to the Act is to ban online gaming, online betting and online gambling. It is made a cognizable offence punishable under the Act. Moreover, the managing directors of all the online gaming companies and those involved in running of the company are liable for punishment under the Act," Reddy said.