Latest news with #CUTSInternational
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Illegal sites target minors, vulnerable groups with fast bets, big payouts: Report
HighlightsAggressive financial incentives and rapid-fire betting products from illegal online gambling platforms are attracting vulnerable users, including minors and individuals at risk of addiction, with annual deposits nearing USD 100 billion. The report 'Fixing the Odds: A Policy Blueprint for Curbing Illegal Online Gambling in India' by CUTS International highlights over 5.4 billion visits to the top 15 illegal gambling platforms, showcasing the extensive reach and appeal of these sites. Illegal gambling operators exploit regulatory loopholes and employ advanced psychological strategies, making it easier for young adults and impulsive individuals to engage in high-risk betting, while also utilizing evolving tactics to facilitate fund movement through India's payment systems. Aggressive financial incentives and rapid-fire betting products offered by illegal online gambling platforms are drawing vulnerable users, including minors and those at risk of addiction, into high-risk gambling at unprecedented rates. These platforms, unburdened by the 28 per cent GST and TDS deductions that legitimate operators must levy, lure users with more attractive payouts and instant-gratification games banned on regulated sites, reveals a report. The report estimates that annual deposits are nearing USD 100 billion in these illegal platforms. The report, "Fixing the Odds: A Policy Blueprint for Curbing Illegal Online Gambling in India," published by CUTS International , showed that illegal gambling operators are exploiting regulatory loopholes to target young adults, high spenders, and individuals especially susceptible to gambling harms. CUTS International's analysis estimates over 5.4 billion visits to the top 15 illegal gambling platforms and their mirror sites in just one year, underscoring the scale of the problem. "The extent of the problem can be gauged from the report's analysis - over 5.4 billion visits to the top 15 illegal gambling platforms across 40 of their mirror sites took place between April 2024 and March 2025. Top platforms such as 1xBet, Parimatch, Stake, Fairplay, and BateryBet consistently registered high traffic volumes and broad user reach. "Traffic share for Parimatch for the month of March 2025 even outranked widely used platforms such as and the report said. Unlike slower, skill-based games permitted on licensed platforms, illegal sites feature fast-paced betting products that enable multiple wagers within minutes -- an approach that research links to higher rates of addictive behaviour and financial loss among users. These platforms also bypass consumer protection measures by requiring little to no documentation, making it easier for minors and vulnerable individuals to participate. The report notes that aggressive marketing, including surrogate advertising and extensive use of private messaging and outdoor campaigns, further amplifies the reach of these sites. "Over 66 per cent of total traffic, amounting to more than 3.5 billion visits (between April 2024 and March 2025), are through direct traffic, meaning users are manually entering URLs, using bookmarks, or copying links from private channels," the report said. The allure of illegal gambling platforms stems from their ease of access and the intense, high-risk environments they create. Sites like Stake and 1xBet employ advanced psychological strategies in their design and enable riskier forms of betting, heightening the sense of excitement for users. These adrenaline-charged settings are especially appealing to young people who seek thrills and those prone to impulsive behaviour, which significantly raises their chances of experiencing gambling-related problems. Further, illegal gambling operators continue to facilitate the movement of funds by employing rapidly evolving tactics and exploiting loopholes and vulnerabilities in India's payment infrastructure. Such tactics include extensive use of the United Payments Interface (UPI) system, mule accounts, and mobile APKs. Ministry of Finance on March 22, 2025, revealed intensified enforcement against offshore online entities, with nearly 700 under investigation. So far, 357 illegal or non-compliant websites/URLs have been blocked and almost 2,000 bank accounts, apart from other robust initiatives.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Illegal gambling platforms putting minors and youth at risk: Report
A new report on Sunday raised serious concerns about the growing threat of illegal online gambling platforms in India, especially to vulnerable groups like minors and young adults. The report by public policy think tank CUTS International warns that these platforms are not only targeting impressionable users with addictive, high-risk games but are also bypassing basic safety checks, such as age verification and identity confirmation. It highlights that the scale of the problem is massive. Between April 2024 and March 2025, there were more than 5.4 billion visits to the top 15 illegal gambling platforms, spread across 40 mirror websites. Some platforms like Parimatch, 1xBet, Stake, Fairplay, and BateryBet are among the most visited. In fact, Parimatch's web traffic in March 2025 was higher than popular platforms like Google India, Amazon, Wikipedia, and Hotstar, revealing the alarming reach of these operations. CUTS International estimates that users are depositing close to $100 billion annually into these illegal betting platforms. Many of these platforms are based overseas and use loopholes in India's payment systems and advertising networks to operate freely, posing a major risk to both consumer safety and national security. Pradeep Mehta, Founder and Secretary General of CUTS International, said that illegal gambling operators are exploiting India's digital infrastructure while evading any form of accountability. "This presents a major national security threat and also exposes Indian consumers to serious harm," Mehta said at the report's release. One of the most disturbing findings of the report is how easily minors can access these gambling sites. These platforms often avoid even the most basic checks like KYC (Know Your Customer) or age verification. Some even offer cash-on-delivery payment options, allowing teenagers with no access to digital wallets or cards to gamble repeatedly without any supervision. The use of high-stakes, psychologically addictive game designs makes them even more dangerous for young, sensation-seeking users. The report also reveals how these platforms attract such massive traffic. Around 66 per cent of users visit directly, often through saved links, private messages, or bookmarks, giving a false impression of trust and legitimacy. Big media campaigns, celebrity endorsements, billboards, and SEO-boosted search visibility further increase their reach.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Online gambling: Illegal sites target minors, vulnerable groups with fast bets, big payouts, reveals report
iStock Online gambling and betting (Image for representation) Aggressive financial incentives and rapid-fire betting products offered by illegal online gambling platforms are drawing vulnerable users, including minors and those at risk of addiction, into high-risk gambling at unprecedented rates. These platforms, unburdened by the 28 per cent GST and TDS deductions that legitimate operators must levy, lure users with more attractive payouts and instant-gratification games banned on regulated sites, reveals a report. The report estimates that annual deposits are nearing USD 100 billion in these illegal platforms. The report, "Fixing the Odds: A Policy Blueprint for Curbing Illegal Online Gambling in India," published by CUTS International, showed that illegal gambling operators are exploiting regulatory loopholes to target young adults, high spenders, and individuals especially susceptible to gambling harms. CUTS International's analysis estimates over 5.4 billion visits to the top 15 illegal gambling platforms and their mirror sites in just one year, underscoring the scale of the problem. "The extent of the problem can be gauged from the report's analysis - over 5.4 billion visits to the top 15 illegal gambling platforms across 40 of their mirror sites took place between April 2024 and March 2025. Top platforms such as 1xBet, Parimatch, Stake, Fairplay, and BateryBet consistently registered high traffic volumes and broad user reach. "Traffic share for Parimatch for the month of March 2025 even outranked widely used platforms such as and the report said. Unlike slower, skill-based games permitted on licensed platforms, illegal sites feature fast-paced betting products that enable multiple wagers within minutes -- an approach that research links to higher rates of addictive behaviour and financial loss among users. These platforms also bypass consumer protection measures by requiring little to no documentation, making it easier for minors and vulnerable individuals to participate. The report notes that aggressive marketing, including surrogate advertising and extensive use of private messaging and outdoor campaigns, further amplifies the reach of these sites. "Over 66 per cent of total traffic, amounting to more than 3.5 billion visits (between April 2024 and March 2025), are through direct traffic, meaning users are manually entering URLs, using bookmarks, or copying links from private channels," the report said. The allure of illegal gambling platforms stems from their ease of access and the intense, high-risk environments they create. Sites like Stake and 1xBet employ advanced psychological strategies in their design and enable riskier forms of betting, heightening the sense of excitement for users. These adrenaline-charged settings are especially appealing to young people who seek thrills and those prone to impulsive behaviour, which significantly raises their chances of experiencing gambling-related problems. Further, illegal gambling operators continue to facilitate the movement of funds by employing rapidly evolving tactics and exploiting loopholes and vulnerabilities in India's payment infrastructure. Such tactics include extensive use of the United Payments Interface (UPI) system, mule accounts, and mobile APKs. Ministry of Finance on March 22, 2025, revealed intensified enforcement against offshore online entities, with nearly 700 under investigation. So far, 357 illegal or non-compliant websites/URLs have been blocked and almost 2,000 bank accounts, apart from other robust initiatives.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Online gambling: Illegal sites target minors, vulnerable groups with fast bets, big payouts, reveals report
Aggressive financial incentives and rapid-fire betting products offered by illegal online gambling platforms are drawing vulnerable users, including minors and those at risk of addiction, into high-risk gambling at unprecedented rates. These platforms, unburdened by the 28 per cent GST and TDS deductions that legitimate operators must levy, lure users with more attractive payouts and instant-gratification games banned on regulated sites, reveals a report. The report estimates that annual deposits are nearing USD 100 billion in these illegal platforms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo The report, "Fixing the Odds: A Policy Blueprint for Curbing Illegal Online Gambling in India," published by CUTS International, showed that illegal gambling operators are exploiting regulatory loopholes to target young adults, high spenders, and individuals especially susceptible to gambling harms. CUTS International's analysis estimates over 5.4 billion visits to the top 15 illegal gambling platforms and their mirror sites in just one year, underscoring the scale of the problem. Live Events "The extent of the problem can be gauged from the report's analysis - over 5.4 billion visits to the top 15 illegal gambling platforms across 40 of their mirror sites took place between April 2024 and March 2025. Top platforms such as 1xBet, Parimatch, Stake, Fairplay, and BateryBet consistently registered high traffic volumes and broad user reach. "Traffic share for Parimatch for the month of March 2025 even outranked widely used platforms such as and the report said. Unlike slower, skill-based games permitted on licensed platforms, illegal sites feature fast-paced betting products that enable multiple wagers within minutes -- an approach that research links to higher rates of addictive behaviour and financial loss among users. These platforms also bypass consumer protection measures by requiring little to no documentation, making it easier for minors and vulnerable individuals to participate. The report notes that aggressive marketing, including surrogate advertising and extensive use of private messaging and outdoor campaigns, further amplifies the reach of these sites. "Over 66 per cent of total traffic, amounting to more than 3.5 billion visits (between April 2024 and March 2025), are through direct traffic, meaning users are manually entering URLs, using bookmarks, or copying links from private channels," the report said. The allure of illegal gambling platforms stems from their ease of access and the intense, high-risk environments they create. Sites like Stake and 1xBet employ advanced psychological strategies in their design and enable riskier forms of betting, heightening the sense of excitement for users. These adrenaline-charged settings are especially appealing to young people who seek thrills and those prone to impulsive behaviour, which significantly raises their chances of experiencing gambling-related problems. Further, illegal gambling operators continue to facilitate the movement of funds by employing rapidly evolving tactics and exploiting loopholes and vulnerabilities in India's payment infrastructure. Such tactics include extensive use of the United Payments Interface (UPI) system, mule accounts, and mobile APKs. Ministry of Finance on March 22, 2025, revealed intensified enforcement against offshore online entities, with nearly 700 under investigation. So far, 357 illegal or non-compliant websites/URLs have been blocked and almost 2,000 bank accounts, apart from other robust initiatives.
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Illegal sites target minors, vulnerable groups with fast bets, big payouts: Report
New Delhi, Jun 1 (PTI) Aggressive financial incentives and rapid-fire betting products offered by illegal online gambling platforms are drawing vulnerable users, including minors and those at risk of addiction, into high-risk gambling at unprecedented rates. These platforms, unburdened by the 28 per cent GST and TDS deductions that legitimate operators must levy, lure users with more attractive payouts and instant-gratification games banned on regulated sites, reveals a report. The report estimates that annual deposits are nearing USD 100 billion in these illegal platforms. The report, 'Fixing the Odds: A Policy Blueprint for Curbing Illegal Online Gambling in India,' published by CUTS International, showed that illegal gambling operators are exploiting regulatory loopholes to target young adults, high spenders, and individuals especially susceptible to gambling harms. CUTS International's analysis estimates over 5.4 billion visits to the top 15 illegal gambling platforms and their mirror sites in just one year, underscoring the scale of the problem. "The extent of the problem can be gauged from the report's analysis – over 5.4 billion visits to the top 15 illegal gambling platforms across 40 of their mirror sites took place between April 2024 and March 2025. Top platforms such as 1xBet, Parimatch, Stake, Fairplay, and BateryBet consistently registered high traffic volumes and broad user reach. "Traffic share for Parimatch for the month of March 2025 even outranked widely used platforms such as and the report said. Unlike slower, skill-based games permitted on licensed platforms, illegal sites feature fast-paced betting products that enable multiple wagers within minutes -- an approach that research links to higher rates of addictive behaviour and financial loss among users. These platforms also bypass consumer protection measures by requiring little to no documentation, making it easier for minors and vulnerable individuals to participate. The report notes that aggressive marketing, including surrogate advertising and extensive use of private messaging and outdoor campaigns, further amplifies the reach of these sites. "Over 66 per cent of total traffic, amounting to more than 3.5 billion visits (between April 2024 and March 2025), are through direct traffic, meaning users are manually entering URLs, using bookmarks, or copying links from private channels," the report said. The allure of illegal gambling platforms stems from their ease of access and the intense, high-risk environments they create. Sites like Stake and 1xBet employ advanced psychological strategies in their design and enable riskier forms of betting, heightening the sense of excitement for users. These adrenaline-charged settings are especially appealing to young people who seek thrills and those prone to impulsive behaviour, which significantly raises their chances of experiencing gambling-related problems. Further, illegal gambling operators continue to facilitate the movement of funds by employing rapidly evolving tactics and exploiting loopholes and vulnerabilities in India's payment infrastructure. Such tactics include extensive use of the United Payments Interface (UPI) system, mule accounts, and mobile APKs. Ministry of Finance on March 22, 2025, revealed intensified enforcement against offshore online entities, with nearly 700 under investigation. So far, 357 illegal or non-compliant websites/URLs have been blocked and almost 2,000 bank accounts, apart from other robust initiatives.
