ED is digging deeper into illegal online betting platforms. This time it’s not just about the apps, it’s about the celebrities who promoted them. Big names from cricket and Bollywood are being called in for questioning.
According to an reports, ED has questioned former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina. Bollywood actors Sonu Sood and Urvashi Rautela have also been summoned.
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They’re being probed for promoting or being linked to banned betting platforms like 1xBet, FairPlay, Parimatch and Lotus365.
These illegal platforms didn’t use their real names in ads. Instead they created lookalike names like 1xbat to fool the system.
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They ran flashy ads with QR codes and links that quietly took users to the real, banned sites.
ED believes this was done to bypass laws and reach a wider audience — and celebrities played a key role in making these ads look trustworthy. Not Just Celebs, Even Media Involved
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They have found that over ₹50 crore was paid to media houses and ad agencies to run these shady ads.
Many of these outlets are now under the scanner for helping promote gambling platforms even after government bans.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was recently filed in the Supreme Court. It says celebrities promoting these apps are influencing kids and teenagers.
The PIL also mentioned an FIR lodged in Telangana against a few influencers. The Supreme Court said the issue is serious but laws alone can’t stop people from betting — it’s a deeper social problem.
Haryana recently brought in a gambling prevention law. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have also taken strong action against real-money gaming apps.
The Madras High Court even upheld Tamil Nadu’s right to regulate online games played for money, calling it a public health issue.
As ED widens its net, more celebrities and firms may come under the radar. The case highlights how gaps in regulation are being misused.
Till a national policy is in place, states and courts will keep taking their own calls — and celebrities will need to think twice before endorsing such apps.
