Indonesia to Introduce Stricter Online Gambling Regulations

Is Indonesia finally taking a hardline stance against online gambling? The country, where all forms of gambling are illegal, is preparing to introduce stricter digital enforcement measures. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has confirmed that new regulations will soon be implemented to combat illegal online betting platforms. With over one million gambling sites already blocked, officials argue that tighter laws and stronger inter-agency collaboration are crucial to eradicating illegal gambling in Indonesia.

Indonesia to Tighten Online Gambling Regulations Amid Nationwide Crackdown

Key Points:

1. Indonesia to Introduce Stricter Online Gambling Regulations

   • The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is finalizing regulations to strengthen enforcement against illegal gambling platforms.
   • President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized the urgent need for more effective measures.

2. Blocking Websites Alone Is Not Enough, Say Officials

   • Over one million gambling websites have been blocked, but digital enforcement must go beyond website takedowns.
   • Minister Meutya Hafid calls for a comprehensive regulatory approach.

3. Government Pushes for Multi-Agency Collaboration

   • Authorities stress that tackling online gambling requires cooperation between law enforcement, digital ministries, and legal institutions.
   • The Police and Attorney General’s Office will play key roles in the nationwide crackdown.

Indonesia Prepares for Stricter Online Gambling Regulations

The Indonesian government is intensifying efforts to combat online gambling, reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy on illegal betting operations. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has confirmed that new regulatory measures will be implemented soon, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive for stricter gambling controls.

Indonesia has historically banned all forms of gambling, but the rise of online betting platforms has made enforcement increasingly difficult. With millions of gambling-related websites still accessible via offshore platforms, officials argue that blocking sites alone is insufficient to curb the issue.

Over One Million Gambling Sites Blocked—But More Action Needed

The government has already blocked over one million illegal gambling websites, yet online betting remains widespread. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs believes that existing efforts must be expanded beyond just restricting access to these sites.

Minister Meutya Hafid emphasized:
“The President has stressed that handling online gambling must be stricter. One of the strategic steps is issuing comprehensive Government Regulations (PP) to tackle this issue more effectively.”

In just the first six days of 2025, Indonesia’s Komdigi Ministry blocked 43,063 gambling-related digital items, demonstrating the sheer scale of the problem.

Multi-Agency Cooperation Is Key to Gambling Crackdown

Officials argue that blocking access to gambling websites alone is not a long-term solution. The government is calling for collaboration between multiple agencies to ensure a more effective enforcement strategy.

Authorities stress that tackling illegal gambling requires:

• Closer cooperation between the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, the Police, and the Attorney General’s Office.
• Legal reforms to impose stricter penalties on operators and facilitators.
• Enhanced digital monitoring tools to prevent banned websites from re-emerging under different domains.

Comparing Indonesia’s Approach to Other Asian Markets

While Indonesia is strengthening its anti-gambling stance, other Asian countries are exploring regulated gaming models.

• Thailand is considering legalizing casinos with strict entry requirements, such as ฿50 million ($1.48M) in fixed deposits for local gamblers.
• The Philippines has a regulated online gaming market but continues to fight illegal offshore operators.

Indonesia’s decision to reinforce its ban rather than regulate gambling puts it at odds with some of its regional neighbors, raising questions about long-term enforcement challenges.

What’s Next for Indonesia’s Gambling Crackdown?

The new regulations are expected to introduce stricter measures for online gambling enforcement. Moving forward, Indonesia is likely to:

1. Strengthen digital enforcement tools to improve website takedown efficiency.
2. Impose harsher penalties on operators facilitating illegal gambling.
3. Increase cooperation between government agencies to improve legal enforcement.

While many countries are shifting toward regulated gaming models, Indonesia remains committed to a full prohibition approach. The challenge will be whether these stricter regulations can effectively curb illegal gambling or if operators will continue to evade enforcement through offshore channels.

Can Indonesia Win the Fight Against Online Gambling?

Indonesia’s move to tighten online gambling regulations reflects its firm stance against illegal betting activities. However, digital enforcement alone may not be enough, as the industry continues to evolve through offshore platforms and cryptocurrency-based gaming.

With the new regulations set to be introduced, all eyes are on whether Indonesia’s hardline approach will be effective or if the country will eventually need to rethink its strategy in the face of growing digital challenges.