Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh questioned by ED over ads promoting illegal betting apps

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has widened its ongoing investigation into illegal online betting operations, now focusing on celebrity endorsements that allegedly contributed to the promotion of banned platforms. Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina, along with Bollywood actor Urvashi Rautela, are among the prominent names under scrutiny. According to NDTV Profit, these celebrities, along with others, have been questioned in connection with their promotion of betting sites such as 1xBet. These platforms have been operating through alternate identities—like "1xbat"—to advertise their services. The tactics used in these campaigns reportedly include links and QR codes that redirect users to the original, illegal sites, thereby bypassing Indian regulations.

The ED maintains that while these platforms project themselves as skill-based gaming services, they employ deceptive algorithms that qualify them as gambling under Indian legal definitions. Authorities allege that the use of celebrity endorsements—also involving former cricketer Yuvraj Singh—has given such platforms extensive visibility and credibility, misleading users and facilitating fraud. Preliminary findings by the ED indicate possible violations of multiple laws, including the Information Technology Act, the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and various government directives. While representatives for Singh and Raina have declined to comment, those for Rautela and other celebrities, including Sonu Sood, have yet to respond to media queries. Media companies are also part of the probe. ED sources revealed that over ₹50 crore was paid to several firms for ad placements promoting these betting platforms.

A Nationwide Crackdown

This investigation is part of a larger national effort to rein in illegal betting activities, many of which rely heavily on celebrity involvement for promotion. For instance, in May, the Telangana Police booked 25 film actors—including Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj—for endorsing similar apps. The complaint in that case emphasized the economic and emotional toll these platforms have taken, particularly on middle- and lower-income families. “Hundreds of crores are being funnelled through these betting platforms, pushing entire households into distress,” it stated. Both Daggubati and Raj have defended themselves, asserting that their involvement was limited to regions where such platforms were legally permitted and that they no longer endorse them. They also cited past Supreme Court rulings distinguishing skill-based games from gambling.

The Mahadev Betting Scandal

This latest scrutiny follows the sensational Mahadev betting app case, which surfaced between 2023 and 2024 and implicated several high-ranking individuals, including former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The ED has alleged that Baghel was a major beneficiary of the scam—a charge he has dismissed as politically motivated, especially as it emerged ahead of the 2023 state and 2024 general elections. In the Mahadev case, promoters reportedly created parallel platforms, including Fairplay, to continue operations while evading enforcement. The key accused are currently facing extradition from Dubai. As per ED estimates, the illegal profits generated through the Mahadev operation could exceed ₹6,000 crore. Investigators say this reflects the sheer magnitude of the underground betting industry. Experts suggest India’s illicit online betting market could be valued at more than $100 billion, growing at an alarming rate of 30% annually. Despite sustained crackdowns, these apps continue to flourish, with around 110 million Indians reportedly using them each day. Alarmingly, law enforcement has linked these platforms to over 1,000 suicides, including those of students.