Nagpur: The Government of India’s recently passed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 has imposed a ban on online platforms offering money-based games. With the Asia Cup around the corner, local betting syndicates in Nagpur see the move as a fresh opportunity to regain business, even as law enforcement agencies remain on high alert.

Police officials have intensified surveillance against illegal betting activities, anticipating that many punters may now turn to the dark web and unregulated websites using fake IDs to bypass the ban.

A local bookie, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that online platforms had long been promoting gambling under the disguise of skill-based games. “Several platforms used celebrity endorsements to portray themselves as legitimate and even claimed to comply with GST norms. But with the new bill, that façade has collapsed,” he said.

Another bookie explained that while online platforms had affected national-level betting, Nagpur’s networks remained largely unaffected. “In this region, most of the business depends on betting IDs. Bookies from Nagpur and nearby districts continue to operate through these IDs, ensuring they remain outside direct scrutiny,” he revealed.

The Bill, cleared by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and signed by the President, has been officially published in the Gazette. However, the government is yet to notify the date of enforcement.

Joint Commissioner of Police Naveenchandra Reddy said Nagpur Police are fully prepared to counter any shift in betting patterns. “With the ban in place, illegal operators may resort to the dark web or adopt new strategies. Our teams are equipped with advanced tools to track and nab offenders. In addition to gambling charges, violators can also face action under fraud and IT Act provisions,” he confirmed.

As the Asia Cup nears, the twin developments of a fresh law and rising enforcement vigilance signal a tense season ahead for both bookies and bettors in Nagpur.