The Sikkim State Lotteries Directorate, in coordination with the State CID Police and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has launched a statewide crackdown against illegal online gambling platforms operating in the region.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Mr. Pawan Awasthy, Principal Director of Sikkim State Lotteries, issued a stern public advisory urging citizens to avoid unauthorized and unregulated gambling websites, warning that such platforms are wreaking havoc on families and individuals across the state.
“These websites are not licensed by the Sikkim government. They are completely outside the purview of legal and financial regulations,” said Awasthy. “They evade taxes, manipulate results, deny payouts, and often disappear with people’s hard-earned money.”
Awasthy shared alarming instances of individuals falling victim to such platforms, including one shocking case where a Sikkim resident reportedly lost over ₹1 crore on an unauthorized gambling site. “We’ve encountered heartbreaking stories of people losing their land, savings, and peace of mind. The emotional and financial toll is devastating,” he added.
In light of rising cases, the government has issued a list of flagged websites currently under legal scrutiny for unauthorized operations, including: https://m.fairplay1.co.in, https://www.khelo24bet.com, https://www.khelo365.com, https://www.lotus365.in, https://www.parimatch.bd.com, https://www.sikkim-battery.online.
“These websites are illegal and should not be accessed under any circumstance,” Awasthy stressed, urging the public to engage only with government-approved platforms like Golden Gaming, which are licensed, regulated, and held accountable under Sikkim’s legal framework.
He further encouraged victims of online gambling fraud to come forward and report their experiences directly to the Sikkim State Lottery office. “Your reports are essential for us to pursue legal action and take down these fraudulent networks,” he said.
Officials confirmed that multiple enforcement actions are already underway, and the state is actively working with national cybercrime authorities to monitor and dismantle illegal betting platforms targeting Sikkim’s residents.
Awasthy also highlighted Sikkim’s well-regulated online gaming ecosystem, one of the few legal frameworks in India that permits online betting through licensed operators. The state, he said, remains committed to safeguarding its citizens through awareness, regulation, and strict enforcement.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant, avoid unfamiliar gambling offers, and verify the legality of platforms before engaging. “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” concluded Awasthy.