Casino gambling advertisements unexpectedly appeared on the official website of the Goa government's Department of Women and Child Development, specifically under the section for welfare schemes intended for women and children. These ads promoted online gambling platforms and slot machine games, with some even encouraging the use of Mastercard credit cards for payments.
This incident highlights a significant cybersecurity lapse, as more than 70% of Goa government websites—including those of educational institutions—are reported to be "not secure" due to incomplete or outdated security audits.
Such occurrences are not isolated; scammers have previously managed to plant similar online betting ads on various Goa government websites, exposing the urgent need for improved digital security measures. The repeated infiltration of official portals by gambling advertisements not only undermines public trust but also raises serious concerns about exposing vulnerable groups to illegal gambling promotions.