The digital landscape in India is undergoing a significant transformation with the enforcement of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (PROGA). This landmark legislation has sent shockwaves through the online gaming and betting industry, leading to the shutdown of numerous platforms and the blocking of international operators. At the center of this regulatory storm is the Radhe Exchange app, which has been identified in multiple police actions as a hub for illegal betting activities.
The Legal Framework Behind the Crackdown
India's new gaming law, which came into effect on May 1, 2026, imposes a blanket ban on all online real-money gaming across the country . The legislation removes previous legal protections for skill-based games, bringing fantasy sports, poker, rummy, and betting platforms under its prohibitive scope . This represents a complete reversal of the earlier regulatory approach that distinguished between games of skill and games of chance.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, categorically prohibits all forms of monetary enrichment through online games . The law not only bans these platforms but also criminalizes their promotion, advertisement, and endorsement . Payment channels, wallets, and gateways are now restricted from facilitating transactions linked to real-money gaming .
The Radhe Exchange App Under Investigation
The Radhe Exchange app has emerged as a prominent target in law enforcement actions across multiple states. Police departments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have conducted operations uncovering organized cricket betting rackets operating through this platform. These investigations have revealed the scale and sophistication of illegal betting networks, with authorities arresting organizers and bookies while seizing substantial cash amounts .
The scope of the problem extends far beyond individual cases. The Enforcement Directorate has estimated that India's illegal online betting ecosystem generated approximately ₹43,000 crore in proceeds of crime over the past seven years . This consolidated assessment of the Mahadev Online Book network and allied betting platforms underscores the massive scale of illegal gambling operations in the country.
Legal Consequences and Penalties
Violations of India's online gaming law carry severe penalties that demonstrate the government's determination to enforce the ban effectively. Offenders face imprisonment of up to three years and fines reaching ₹1 crore . Additionally, offending apps, platforms, or promoters face permanent blacklisting .
The legislation also targets crypto-based transactions tied to gambling, with special focus on promoters using stablecoins like USDT to market or enable betting apps . Influencers, creators, or traders found endorsing or facilitating such platforms face the same jail terms and financial penalties as operators themselves .
Government's Approach to Enforcement
The Indian government is employing a multi-pronged strategy to enforce the ban. Section 69A of the Information Technology Act gives authorities the power to direct internet service providers to block access to prohibited platforms at the network level . This same provision was previously used to ban TikTok in India, establishing a precedent for effective enforcement .
The government has also targeted VPN providers, warning them against facilitating access to blocked platforms. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology sent notices to VPN companies after users continued bypassing restrictions through DNS changes and VPN routing . This comprehensive approach aims to close every possible avenue for accessing banned services.
Rationale Behind the Ban
The government has cited multiple reasons for this stringent approach to online gaming regulation. Rising cases of addiction, debt traps, and suicides linked to online betting have been major concerns . Additionally, financial fraud, money laundering, and terror-funding risks facilitated by unregulated platforms have necessitated strong government action .
The law also aims to protect youth while building a structured, positive digital gaming culture. While banning money games, the legislation explicitly supports esports tournaments, skill-based educational apps, and casual social games without monetary stakes .
Impact on the Gaming Ecosystem
The ban has dramatically reshaped India's online gaming market. Domestic platforms have shut down operations, with opinion trading app Probo ceasing its activities after the law's passage . Fantasy gaming platforms and smaller prediction market operators have also exited the market .
International platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket continued operating despite the ban, accepting Indian users and handling significant trading volumes . During the 2026 IPL season, a single match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore attracted a combined trading volume of $27.7 million on both platforms . This persistence led to blocking orders against these international operators.
Conclusion
The Radhe Exchange app operates within a legal framework that now treats all online real-money gaming as illegal. Users searching for this platform should understand that accessing such services carries significant legal risks. The Indian government's enforcement efforts, supported by comprehensive legislation, demonstrate a clear commitment to eradicating illegal betting operations and protecting citizens from the harms of unregulated gambling.
The evolving regulatory landscape in India serves as a warning to both domestic and international operators: the era of unregulated online betting has ended. The government's ability to block platforms, pursue legal action against operators, and prevent financial transactions through traditional and crypto channels shows that all avenues for illegal gambling are being systematically closed.