Udaipur, March 24, 2025 - The Finance Ministry has announced that GST intelligence officers have blocked 357 websites of illegal online gaming firms and attached around 2,400 bank accounts. The government has also warned the public against engaging with offshore gaming platforms.

Action Against Indian Nationals Running Gaming Platforms

Some Indian nationals were found operating online gaming platforms like Satguru Online Gaming, Mahakaal Online Gaming, and Abhi247 Online Gaming from outside India. Three individuals have been arrested, and further investigations are ongoing.

With the IPL season approaching, authorities will take stricter action against illegal gaming operations. The Ministry has urged people to play only on registered gaming platforms.

Many Bollywood celebrities, cricketers, and social media influencers are found promoting illegal gaming platforms. The Ministry has warned the public to avoid such platforms to protect their finances and national security.

700 Gaming Companies Under Investigation

Around 700 offshore e-gaming companies are under investigation by the Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI) for tax evasion. These companies have failed to register under GST and have hidden taxable income. Under GST law, online money gaming is classified as "goods" and is subject to a 28% tax. Companies in this sector must register under GST.

Illegal Transactions Through 'Mule' Accounts

Investigations revealed that offshore companies used fake or ‘mule’ bank accounts to process payments. DGGI has blocked 166 such accounts used to collect money from Indian customers. In two separate cases, DGGI has blocked nearly 2,400 bank accounts and frozen about Rs 126 crore linked to illegal gaming activities.

The Ministry said that funds collected through mule accounts could be used for illegal activities, posing a threat to national security. Offshore gaming companies also create new websites to bypass government restrictions.

Source:Media Reports