Indonesia has intensified its crackdown on illegal online gambling, with authorities arresting 321 people during a large-scale operation targeting underground betting networks across the country.
The coordinated raids were carried out by the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency together with regional law enforcement units. Officials said the suspects were linked to dozens of online gambling platforms accused of offering sports betting, slot-style games and casino products to local players despite the country’s strict anti-gambling laws.
Police also seized large amounts of evidence during the operation, including computers, mobile phones, bank cards and cash believed to be connected to gambling transactions. Authorities claim several of the networks relied on social media promotion and encrypted messaging apps to attract customers and process payments.
Indonesia has maintained one of the toughest anti-gambling positions in Southeast Asia, with both land-based and online gambling prohibited under national law. In recent years, regulators and law enforcement agencies have increased efforts to block gambling websites and disrupt financial channels used by offshore operators targeting Indonesian users.
Officials said the latest arrests form part of a broader campaign against illegal digital activities, including online fraud and money laundering. Investigators are now examining possible links between the detained suspects and international gambling syndicates operating outside Indonesia.
The government has repeatedly warned that illegal gambling platforms pose social and economic risks, particularly for younger users who are increasingly exposed to betting content online. Authorities also urged the public to report suspicious websites and digital payment activity connected to gambling operations.