Former India cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh are under intense scrutiny as the Enforcement Directorate has expanded its investigation into illegal betting apps backed by prominent cricketers and Bollywood Actress Urvashi Rautela. For an extended period, illegal online betting apps have featured in various international and Indian Premier League (IPL) matches.
According to a report by NDTV Profit, cricketers, and other Bollywood personalities have been questioned during an ongoing investigation. Some of the banned platforms, like 1xBet, continue still to crop up on TV and other online websites using surrogate names such as 1xbat. These ads include web links (for online material) and various QR codes to redirect users to the original (and illegal) betting platform, which is totally a blunt violation of the existing laws.
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It has come to light that the various platforms presented themselves as hosting effective skill-based games, but in reality, they turned out to be gambling operations, which is a breach under current laws. A lot of youngsters have fallen into the trap and have lost tons of money. Some have even lost their lives.
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Illegal betting apps face the heat
With several pointers pointing to a negative picture, illegal betting apps are facing the heat. Worst, many of these apps are being backed by prominent cricketers and Bollywood celebrities. In May, Telangana Police filed cases against 25 famous actors, which included names like Prakash Raj and Rana Daggubati.
'Thousands of lakhs of rupees are involved in these illegal platforms... it is leading families into distress, especially that of middle-class and lower middle-class', the complainant said.
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During their official statements, both, Daggubati and Rana have denied endorsing these illegal betting apps, arguing they do not currently promote these ad campaigns. Experts have stated that the illegal betting app business in India is worth a staggering $100 billion and is steadily growing 30 percent annually, despite various efforts being made to put a total ban.
Close to 11 crore Indians use these betting apps daily, and a report has said that financial frauds by these promoters have resulted in over 1000 suicides, including school students.
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