TGCSB using geofencing tech to restrict access to online betting platforms
Hyderabad: Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has reported 385 cases related to online betting and gaming addiction in the state. The TGCSB has intensified its crackdown on illegal gaming platforms to protect citizens from online betting and financial losses.
The officials are also implementing strict measures to curb the spread of betting apps while actively identifying and blocking such platforms. Citizens have been urged to help the law enforcement agencies curb this menace by reporting any betting-related activities via WhatsApp on this helpline number 8712672222.
The TGCSB successfully blocked access to a total of 108 illegal betting websites and also implemented geofencing technology to prevent users in Telangana from accessing these platforms. The authorities have also served notices to 133 India-based platforms to restrict access in Telangana.
Recently, several actors and social media influencers were booked for promoting online betting platforms. The bureau said strict legal action will be taken against anyone who is found playing, promoting, or facilitating online gambling.
The bureau further said that many people fall prey to easy money and a high return trap laid by these online betting apps. The officials also said that these platforms operate from foreign jurisdictions and lack legal approval, users may see earnings in the app but will not be able to withdraw the money.
Meanwhile, Bollywood celebrities and cricketers along with YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram influencers have come under the scanner of the Government of India. The finance ministry said several of them were found endorsing offshore online money gaming platforms.
Taking swift action against these gaming platforms, the finance ministry’s tax enforcement agency, Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI), blocked 357 illegal offshore gaming entities and frozen Rs. 126 crore and blocked 2,400 bank accounts.
DGGI has also launched operations against some Indian nationals running online money gaming platforms from outside India. These individuals were facilitating online money gaming to Indian customers through various such online platforms including Satguru Online Money Gaming Platform, Mahakaal Online Money Gaming Platform and Abhi247, it said.