• Download a copy of the advisory here. 

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) Cyber Laws Division issued an advisory directing virtual private network (VPN) service providers and intermediaries to ensure their platforms do not enable access to illegal and blocked online betting and prediction market platforms. The advisory reiterates that the “Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (“PROG Act”) expressly prohibits online real-money gaming activities in all forms.”

What did the advisory say? In the advisory dated April 25, 2026, MeitY said it had observed that some VPN providers and intermediaries were enabling access to blocked platforms. “It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (“MeitY”) that certain virtual private network (“VPN”) service providers and intermediaries are facilitating access to illegal and blocked prediction market and online betting platforms, including websites such as Polymarket and a few other similar sites, which have been blocked for access in India under section 69A, Information Technology, 2000 (“IT Act”).”

The ministry added that users were allegedly bypassing restrictions through VPN services and using digital assets to transact on these platforms. “It is further observed that certain users are circumventing the legal restrictions imposed on such platforms by misusing VPN services to access these websites. In addition, such users are engaging in financial transactions through conversion of Indian Rupees into virtual digital assets such as USD Coin (USDC) or other stablecoins, thereby enabling participation in such platforms despite domestic prohibitions.”

What happens in case of non-compliance? MeitY said VPN service providers and other intermediaries must make reasonable efforts not to host, store, or permit access to unlawful platforms, including Polymarket and similar services that operate in violation of the law. It also reminded intermediaries that the IT Act obligates them to provide information or assistance to government agencies for investigative, protective, or cybersecurity activities within stipulated timelines.

“Any non-compliance by the intermediaries with the statutory due diligence obligations may result in loss of exemption provided under section 79 of the IT Act and exposure to consequential legal action under applicable laws,” the advisory stated.

RMG persists despite ban: The Indian government has blocked access to over 8376 illegal gambling and betting sites as of March 28, 2026. Authorities have intensified enforcement since Parliament passed the PROGA, but offshore platforms continue to operate through mirror domains and private channels. A CUTS International survey in Delhi found offshore platform usage rose from 68.3% before the ban to 82% after it. At the same time, daily access increased from 3.4% to 42.3%, indicating continued user migration despite the crackdown.

Why this matters: The advisory marks another escalation in India’s effort to enforce the PROGA, yet it also lays bare the limits of that enforcement. By targeting VPN providers, MeitY is effectively deputising intermediaries as regulators, threatening them with loss of safe-harbour protections if they fail to comply. Meanwhile, the government’s own admissions reveal a fundamental problem: blocks spawn mirror sites, bans drive crypto workarounds, and offshore platforms continue to grow.

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