Indian Tourists Arrested After Illegal Bali Gambling Discovery
Indonesian authorities have dismantled an international online gambling operation on the resort island of Bali, arresting 39 Indian nationals during coordinated raids on two villas, police said.
The Cybercrime Investigation Agency of the Bali Police executed the raids on February 3 in Badung and Tabanan regencies after tracing activity linked to an Instagram account promoting the “Ram Betting Exchange.”
Investigators allege the syndicate offered full online betting services, including deposit and withdrawal facilities, and had been running since late 2025.
Of those detained, 35 have been formally charged with violations of Indonesia’s Electronic Information and Transactions Law and gambling statutes, while four others are being treated as witnesses. Authorities estimate the ring generated between Rp7 billion and Rp8 billion (roughly US$415,000–$475,000) monthly.
Suspects reportedly entered Indonesia on tourist visas and could face up to nine years in prison and fines of Rp200 million (USD $12,000) if convicted.
The Ram Betting Exchange fails to display any licensing information on their website, with customer support and other contact details linking the operation to India, where online gambling is also largely banned.
Gambling in Indonesia is banned under local laws, with authorities, like many places in the world, grappling with how to stop offshore casino operators targeting locals.
