603,999 Indonesian households that currently or previously received social aid were flagged as suspected of participating in online gambling.The Indonesian Ministry of...
Indonesia to block e-wallets tied to online gambling
Indonesia is intensifying its fight against illegal online gambling by targeting e-wallets used for betting and putting many accounts under closure risk.
According to the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) chief, during the first half of 2025, the iGaming segment received 12 million transactions through e-wallets, costing around Rp1.6 trillion. Dealing with e-wallets is different from handling regular bank accounts, and so is the protection of users.
PATK chief Ivan Yustiavandana stated:
“We have handled many cases relating to e-wallets. Handling fintech is different from conventional methods. If illicit funds enter e-wallets, we will make every effort to protect the affected parties.”
Indonesia has been in a fight against illegal gambling for many years. Back in 2023, banks reported more than 12,000 accounts and 7,500 e-wallets tied to gambling deposits. The main e-wallets involved include DANA, OVO, GoPay, LinkAja, and ShopeePay, with DANA reporting the largest amounts.
Moreover, in May 2025, Indonesia froze 28,000 iGaming-related accounts. All these actions also affect social aid. More than 600,000 welfare recipients were removed after links to gambling were found, mainly in West Java, Central Java, East Java, and Jakarta.
PPATK estimates that Indonesia’s iGaming market could reach Rp1,200 trillion by the end of the year. This means that stricter identity checks, stronger monitoring, and public reporting of suspicious activity will be an essential part of protecting the financial system in the country.
FAQs
Is gambling legal in Indonesia?
Gambling in Indonesia is illegal and monitored under strict laws on both online and offline operations.
Who is monitoring the gambling market in Indonesia?
The gambling market in Indonesia is monitored by the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital.
Indonesia has taken a strict measure towards online crime by freezing more than 28,000 bank accounts connected to the illegal iGaming with its financial intelligence unit,...
