Indian authority probes cricketers, actor endorsing illegal betting apps
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), a law enforcement agency of the Government of India has widened its investigation into illegal online betting platforms by summoning high-profile celebrities, including cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and Bollywood actor Urvashi Rautela. These celebrities are being questioned for allegedly endorsing banned betting platforms operating under surrogate brand names and misleading ad campaigns.
Celebrities under the scanner
According to ED sources, several celebrities featured in advertisements promoting platforms that appeared as skill-based gaming websites. However, these platforms reportedly used manipulated algorithms, classifying them as gambling operations under Indian law, as reported by local media NDTV Profit.
The agency believes these endorsements helped illegal platforms reach a wide audience, especially on social media and streaming platforms, boosting their user base and visibility.
The ED has already questioned Singh, Raina, Rautela, and Yuvraj Singh, while further summons to others remain under consideration.
Surrogate branding and illegal redirects
Investigators say the platforms used surrogate brand names and deceptive marketing tactics, such as embedded web links and QR codes in ads, to redirect users to illegal betting sites. These links led to platforms that violated multiple Indian laws while posing as legitimate gaming websites.
These activities, officials say, breach several laws including:
- The Information Technology (IT) Act
- The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)
- The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
- Relevant government-issued notifications banning such apps
Over ₹50 crore spent on ad campaigns
The ED also revealed that more than ₹50 crore had been spent on advertising these platforms across television, social media, and digital platforms. Several media agencies are under investigation for their role in publishing and broadcasting these advertisements.
The agency is examining whether these media houses ignored legal guidelines and profited from campaigns designed to mislead consumers.
Broader crackdown on betting apps
In March 2025, the Telangana Police filed cases against 25 celebrities, including actors Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj, for promoting betting apps. The complainant in that case stated that thousands of crores were being siphoned through illegal gaming, putting many middle-class families under financial stress.
While both Daggubati and Raj denied ongoing involvement with such platforms, they claimed past endorsements were in regions where skill-based online games are legal.
Mahadev betting scam
The ED’s recent actions follow the high-profile Mahadev Online Betting case, which surfaced between 2023 and 2024. That case involved allegations against senior politicians and bureaucrats from Chhattisgarh, including former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.
Baghel denied any links, calling the charges politically motivated. However, the investigation remains active, with the ED treating it as one of the largest online gambling rackets in India.
