Many Indian users are still searching for answers on why Bet365 was banned in India, especially after the platform suddenly became inaccessible in 2023.
While some believe it was a temporary restriction, the reality is more complex.
The ban wasn’t just about one policy change.
It resulted from multiple regulatory shifts, including heavy taxation, nationwide legal reforms, and enforcement challenges that made India commercially unviable for global betting operators.
Why Bet365 Was Banned in India?
Understanding the full picture requires looking at tax changes, the 2025 online gaming law, payment restrictions, and Bet365’s global compliance strategy.
Bet365 Status in India (Quick Overview)
| Aspect | Current Situation |
|---|---|
| Operational Status | Unavailable in India |
| Real-Money Betting | Not Permitted |
| VPN or Mirror Usage | Legally Unsafe |
| Indian Payment Support | Restricted |
| Legal Standing | Explicitly Prohibited |
Top 4 Reasons Why Bet365 Got Banned in India
1. Heavy 28% GST on Betting Turnover
In 2023, the Indian government increased GST on online betting from 18% to 28%, calculated on the total amount wagered rather than operator revenue or user winnings. This structural change made operations financially unsustainable for large platforms.
For example, on a ₹1,000 bet, ₹280 is deducted as tax regardless of whether the user wins or loses. This directly impacts platform margins and user experience, as operators either absorb the cost or pass it to bettors through reduced odds.
Unlike jurisdictions where tax applies only to gross gaming revenue, India’s turnover-based model creates a heavy burden. For Bet365, which operates on thin margins in competitive markets, this structure made profitability nearly impossible.
The tax change was a clear signal that India was moving toward stricter regulation rather than creating a licensing framework, prompting many international operators to reconsider their presence.
2. Centralised Online Gaming Prohibition (2025)
Before 2025, online betting laws in India were inconsistent, with some states allowing certain formats and others banning them outright. This created confusion for both users and operators.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 changed this by imposing a nationwide ban on all real-money online gaming and betting. The law applies uniformly across all states, ending the previous patchwork of regulations.
Critically, the ban covers offshore platforms as well. Even if a platform operates from outside India, offering services to Indian users is now explicitly prohibited. This means accessing Bet365 through VPNs or mirror sites does not bypass the legal restriction.
Enforcement under this law includes penalties for operators, promoters, and intermediaries, making it legally risky for any entity to facilitate access to banned platforms.
3. Payment Blocking and Criminal Exposure
The 2025 law introduced criminal liability for anyone involved in operating, promoting, or financially supporting real-money betting platforms. This includes payment processors, banks, and digital wallets.
Indian payment gateways are now required to block transactions linked to prohibited platforms. Users attempting to deposit or withdraw funds face rejection, delays, or account freezes with no legal recourse.
For platforms like Bet365, this creates an operational dead-end. Without a reliable payment infrastructure, user acquisition and retention become impossible. Even if users manage to deposit funds, withdrawal uncertainty makes the platform unusable.
This risk extends to users as well. Funds deposited on banned platforms are not protected under Indian law, meaning disputes, frozen accounts, or non-payment issues cannot be resolved through legal channels.
4. Market Exit Strategy by Global Betting Firms
Bet365 operates in over 200 countries and prioritises markets with clear licensing, predictable regulation, and favourable tax structures. India no longer fits this profile.
The company has consistently avoided markets where legal uncertainty or enforcement risks outweigh potential revenue. Exiting India allows Bet365 to focus on Bet365 legal countries like the UK, Australia, and several European nations where frameworks support long-term growth.
Global operators like Bet365 prefer regulated environments where compliance is rewarded with legal protection and market stability. India’s ban eliminates any path to licensed operation, making re-entry commercially and legally unattractive.
This strategic withdrawal also protects Bet365’s brand reputation. Operating in prohibited markets or facilitating access through grey channels could harm its standing in regulated jurisdictions where it holds licences.
Will Bet365 Platform Return To India in the Future?
A return would require significant legal reform, including the repeal or amendment of the nationwide ban on real-money online betting introduced in 2025.
Such changes would likely take years and depend on shifts in government policy and public opinion.
Even if regulations were relaxed, Bet365 would need to obtain a licence, comply with India’s tax structure, and meet requirements related to responsible gambling, data protection, and financial transparency.
The 28% GST on turnover would still make operations challenging unless revised.
Looking at bet365 in India’s latest news, there is no indication of policy reversal or discussions around creating a licensing framework for international operators.
For now, the platform remains fully prohibited, and users are advised to avoid accessing it through unofficial methods.
Top 3 Bet365 Legal Alternatives In India 2026
Under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, no legal real-money betting platforms exist in India.
All offshore and domestic real-money betting services are explicitly banned.
However, users can still engage with sports-related gaming through free-to-play or skill-based platforms that operate within legal boundaries.
These alternatives do not involve financial risk and focus on strategy and entertainment.
1. Dream11
Type: Fantasy Sports (Free & Practice Contests)
Dream11 has shifted focus toward free-to-play formats after the 2025 law. Users can create fantasy teams for cricket, football, and other sports without staking money, focusing purely on skill and sports knowledge.
These practice contests allow users to test strategies and participate in tournaments without financial exposure. The platform remains compliant by removing real-money elements from its core offering.
For users looking to stay engaged with sports strategy, Dream11’s free formats provide a legal and risk-free experience without the complications associated with the bet365 india app or similar banned services.
2. MPL (Mobile Premier League)
Type: Skill-Based Games (Free Entry)
MPL offers a variety of skill-based games, including fantasy sports, quiz games, and casual arcade formats. Post-2025, the platform expanded its free-entry and practice modes to align with Indian regulations.
Users can participate in tournaments and competitive gameplay without wagering money. The platform’s wide game selection appeals to those seeking entertainment beyond traditional sports betting.
MPL’s legal positioning in India is based on offering games of skill in non-monetary formats, making it a safer alternative for users who previously used offshore betting platforms.
3. My11Circle
Type: Fantasy Sports (Free Contests)
My11Circle provides free fantasy contests, particularly during major cricket tournaments. Users can build teams, compete in leagues, and test their sports analysis skills without financial stakes.
The platform’s cricket-focused approach appeals to Indian audiences, offering strategic gameplay that mimics the decision-making involved in betting but without the legal or financial risks.
For users who enjoyed the analytical aspect of platforms like Bet365, My11Circle offers a compliant alternative that respects India’s legal framework while maintaining competitive engagement.
FAQs
- Is online betting illegal in India?
Yes. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, bans all forms of real-money online betting and gaming nationwide. This applies to both domestic and offshore platforms, regardless of how they are accessed.
- Is the Bet365 India app allowed?
No. The bet365 India app is not legally available in India. The platform exited the market in 2023, and accessing it through unofficial channels violates Indian law and carries financial and legal risks.
- How to access Bet365 in India safely?
There is no safe or legal way to access Bet365 in India. Using VPNs or mirror sites does not bypass the legal prohibition and exposes users to payment issues, account freezes, and loss of funds with no recourse.
- What do Bet365 India Reddit users usually discuss?
Discussions on bet365 India Reddit typically focus on VPN workarounds, payment issues, withdrawal problems, and alternative platforms. Most threads highlight the risks and legal uncertainty surrounding offshore betting access.
- Is there any Bet365 alternative India users can legally use?
No legal Bet365 alternative in India exists for real-money betting. Users can only access free-to-play or skill-based platforms like Dream11, MPL, and My11Circle that comply with the 2025 online gaming law.
Conclusion: Bet365 Got Banned In India Due To Legal Reasons
The question of why Bet365 was banned in India has a clear answer: a combination of prohibitive taxation, nationwide legal reforms, and operational challenges made the market unviable.
The 2025 online gaming law cemented the ban by explicitly prohibiting real-money betting across the country.
While some users continue attempting access through VPNs or mirror links, this approach carries significant risks, including blocked payments, frozen accounts, and no legal protection.
The bet365 ban reflects India’s broader stance against offshore betting platforms.
- Legal Status: Bet365 is explicitly prohibited under Indian law. The nationwide ban applies to all real-money betting platforms, whether domestic or offshore.
- User Risk: Accessing banned platforms exposes users to financial loss, payment blocks, and legal complications with no recourse for disputes or fund recovery.
- Future Outlook: Re-entry requires major legal reforms, including repeal of the 2025 ban and creation of a licensing framework. Under current conditions, this remains highly unlikely.
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