The question of why Bet365 was banned in India continues to confuse users who previously accessed the platform without issues.
Many believe the restriction is temporary or limited to certain regions, but the situation is now permanent and nationwide.
The ban resulted from a combination of tax reforms, regulatory enforcement, and new legislation that fundamentally changed India’s approach to online betting.
What started as commercial pressure evolved into complete legal prohibition.
Why Bet365 Was Banned in India?
This breakdown examines the specific factors that forced Bet365 out of India and why the platform cannot legally operate in the country under current laws.
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
The Indian government restructured betting taxation in 2023 by imposing 28% GST on the entire wagered amount rather than platform profits or net revenue. This model differs significantly from global standards where tax applies only to operator earnings.
Under this system, a ₹10,000 wager generates ₹2,800 in tax liability regardless of the bet outcome. Operators cannot absorb this cost without drastically reducing odds, which makes their products uncompetitive against international platforms.
The turnover-based approach creates a punitive tax environment that effectively eliminates profit margins. For Bet365, which operates on efficiency and competitive pricing, sustaining operations under these conditions became financially impossible.
This taxation strategy was designed to discourage betting activity rather than regulate it through licensing, signaling that India preferred prohibition over revenue generation from gambling.
2. Centralised Online Gaming Prohibition (2025)
Before 2025, online betting legality varied by state, creating confusion about which platforms could operate and where. Some states permitted certain formats while others banned all forms of online gambling.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, eliminated this inconsistency by establishing a uniform nationwide ban on real-money online betting and gaming. The law applies equally across all Indian states and territories.
The legislation explicitly includes offshore operators in its scope. Platforms operating from foreign jurisdictions are prohibited from offering services to Indian users, and accessing them through VPNs or proxy servers does not create legal protection.
This centralized approach removed any regulatory grey areas and made it clear that location masking through technical means does not bypass legal restrictions or reduce enforcement risk.
3. Payment Blocking and Criminal Exposure
The 2025 law introduced severe penalties for operating, promoting, or facilitating real-money betting platforms. This includes criminal liability for company directors, payment processors, advertisers, and affiliate marketers.
Indian banks and payment gateways are legally required to block transactions related to prohibited platforms. Users attempting deposits face rejection, and withdrawal requests are routinely denied or frozen without explanation.
For users, this creates complete uncertainty around fund safety. Money sent to banned platforms has no legal protection, and disputes cannot be resolved through Indian courts or consumer protection mechanisms.
Bet365 operates on trust and reliable payment infrastructure. Without guaranteed transaction processing and facing potential criminal exposure, continuing operations in India presented unacceptable legal and reputational risk.
4. Market Exit Strategy by Global Betting Firms
Bet365 maintains licenses in over 50 jurisdictions and has built its reputation on regulatory compliance and long-term market stability. The company systematically avoids markets where legal frameworks are unclear or hostile.
India’s combination of prohibitive taxation and outright legal bans made it incompatible with Bet365’s business model. The company prioritizes bet365 legal countries like the United Kingdom, Malta, and Gibraltar where clear licensing frameworks support sustainable operations.
Unlike smaller operators that might risk grey-market operation, Bet365 protects its global brand by maintaining strict compliance standards. Operating illegally in India could jeopardize licenses in regulated markets worth significantly more revenue.
This strategic withdrawal aligns with the company’s approach in other jurisdictions where regulation became unfavorable. Bet365 consistently chooses brand protection and legal certainty over short-term market access.
Will Bet365 Platform Return To India in the Future?
Bet365’s return would require fundamental changes to Indian law, beginning with repeal or substantial amendment of the 2025 nationwide ban on real-money online gaming.
Such legislative changes typically require years of debate and political consensus.
Even if regulations were reformed, Bet365 would need a formal licensing framework with reasonable taxation, clear compliance requirements, and legal protections for operators and users.
The current 28% turnover-based GST would need revision to make operations commercially viable.
Current bet365 in India latest news shows no movement toward regulatory reform or licensing discussions.
Government statements continue to emphasize prohibition rather than regulated legalization, making near-term re-entry extremely unlikely.
Top 3 Bet365 Legal Alternatives In India 2026
Following the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, no legal real-money betting platforms are permitted in India. Both domestic and offshore real-money betting services are completely prohibited under current law.
Users seeking sports-related gaming must use free-to-play or skill-based platforms that operate without financial stakes. These alternatives comply with Indian regulations by removing real-money elements entirely.
1. Dream11
Type: Fantasy Sports (Free & Practice Contests)
Dream11 transitioned toward free-to-play formats following the 2025 legislative changes. Users build fantasy teams for cricket, football, kabaddi, and basketball without risking money, focusing on skill development and sports knowledge.
The platform’s practice contests allow competitive participation without financial exposure. Users can test different strategies, analyze player performance, and compete in tournaments purely for entertainment and ranking.
Dream11’s compliance approach positions it as a legal alternative for users who miss the strategic elements of platforms like the Bet365 India app but want to avoid legal and financial risks.
2. MPL (Mobile Premier League)
Type: Skill-Based Games (Free Entry)
MPL expanded its free-entry game catalog after 2025, offering fantasy sports, puzzles, card games, and casual arcade formats. The platform emphasizes skill-based gameplay in non-monetary formats that comply with Indian law.
Users can participate in competitive tournaments and leagues without wagering money. The variety of game types appeals to those seeking entertainment beyond traditional sports betting formats.
MPL’s legal positioning in India relies on offering games of skill in practice modes, making it a safer choice for users who previously accessed offshore betting platforms.
3. My11Circle
Type: Fantasy Sports (Free Contests)
My11Circle focuses on cricket fantasy gaming through free contests that allow users to create teams, join leagues, and compete during major tournaments. The platform emphasizes sports analysis and strategic team building without financial stakes.
The cricket-centric approach resonates with Indian audiences who enjoy the tactical aspects of team selection and player performance prediction. Users can engage with the sport analytically without legal or monetary risk.
For those who valued the decision-making elements of betting, My11Circle provides a compliant alternative that maintains competitive engagement within India’s legal framework.
FAQs
- Is online betting illegal in India?
Yes. All forms of real-money online betting and gaming are banned nationwide under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. This prohibition covers domestic platforms and offshore operators regardless of access method.
- Is the Bet365 India app allowed?
No. The bet365 India app is not legally permitted in India. Bet365 exited the Indian market in 2023, and current laws explicitly prohibit its operation and use within the country.
- How to access Bet365 in India safely?
There is no safe or legal method for how to access bet365 in India. VPNs and mirror sites do not provide legal protection and expose users to payment blocks, fund loss, and potential legal consequences.
- What do Bet365 India Reddit users usually discuss?
Conversations on bet365 India Reddit focus on VPN methods, payment failures, withdrawal difficulties, and searches for alternatives. Most discussions highlight the risks and complications of accessing banned platforms.
- 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 platforms like Dream11, MPL, and My11Circle that comply with the 2025 ban by eliminating monetary stakes.
Conclusion: Bet365 Got Banned In India Due To Legal Reasons
Understanding why Bet365 was banned in India requires examining taxation policies, regulatory changes, and enforcement mechanisms that collectively made the market untenable.
The bet365 ban reflects India’s decision to prohibit rather than regulate online betting.
Users attempting access through unofficial channels face significant risks without legal recourse.
Payment failures, account freezes, and fund losses are common, and Indian law provides no protection for users of banned platforms.
- Legal Status: All real-money online betting is prohibited under the 2025 nationwide ban. Bet365 cannot legally operate or be accessed in India under current regulations.
- User Risk: Accessing banned platforms through VPNs or mirrors exposes users to financial loss, payment processing failures, and legal complications without consumer protection or dispute resolution options.
- Future Outlook: Bet365’s return requires major legal reforms, including ban repeal and licensing framework creation. Current policy direction strongly favors continued prohibition over regulated legalization.
Also Check:
About the Author
