In today’s digital age, the allure of betting apps is undeniable. Many of us are captivated by the dream that one lucky play could make us a crorepati. It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy, thinking the next big win is just a tap away. But for every story of a life-changing jackpot, there are others—often untold—where dreams are shattered, leaving individuals in crippling debt from high betting habits.
Foreign-owned online gaming platforms are adding fuel to this fire. These platforms entice Indian users into illegal offshore betting and gambling sites, not only exposing them to cyber manipulation but also turning them into unwitting tools for cyberattacks against their own country. This insidious form of digital exploitation represents a new and increasingly sophisticated threat. A report by PRAHAR predicts an escalation in cyberattacks targeting India. By 2033, the nation could be under siege, facing nearly a trillion cyberattacks annually. This alarming trend is set to intensify further, with projections indicating a staggering 17 trillion attacks by the time India celebrates its centenary in 2047. Moreover, Google searches for illegal gambling sites have surged by up to 15 times compared to legal domestic platforms, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Sports fans, driven by their love for the game, sometimes feel as if they’re truly part of the action, placing bets on their favourite teams or players. These apps promise excitement, but do we really understand the risks involved? How much do we know about the security of these platforms on which we wager so much, hoping for a big win? It’s time to look beyond the flashing lights and consider what we’re truly betting on is our cybersecurity.
Online gamblers need to stay alert. The dangers they face range from identity theft to game manipulation. Some hackers go as far as targeting users with personalized ads aimed at vulnerable individuals, particularly those battling gambling addiction. Simple practices like using strong, unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and being cautious about personal data can reduce vulnerability. Sports bettors have become prime targets for cybercriminals. With the high amount of money involved, there’s a vast amount of sensitive data, and these organizations face significant cybersecurity risks.
In addition to infrastructure attacks, phishing and social engineering continue to be common tactics. Phishing sites and fake betting apps lure victims by promising easy winnings, but instead, they harvest data for malicious purposes. Cybercriminals exploit unsecured networks and reach users via messaging platforms, preying on people’s trust and desire to hit the jackpot.
To safeguard their accounts, users should:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each betting account, ideally with the help of a password manager.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add a secondary layer of identity verification.
- Access accounts only over secure, private connections to avoid interception risks.
- Regularly update device and app software to benefit from critical security patches.
- Log out after sessions and report any suspicious activities immediately.
By pairing strong user-side security practices with robust app protections, sports betting operators and customers can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and enhance the overall safety of the betting experience. The legality of these betting apps in India is still a complex issue rooted in the Public Gambling Act of 1867. While this law prohibits all forms of gambling, it doesn’t explicitly address online gambling, leaving a significant legal loophole and this further aggravates the threat to cybersecurity. This ambiguity has allowed numerous betting apps to operate in India without facing direct legal repercussions. Further complicating the matter is the blurred line between “games of skill” and “games of chance.” Indian laws permit betting on games of skill but prohibit gambling on games of chance. However, determining the precise categorization of online games can be a contentious issue, often leading to legal disputes and cyber uncertainty.