Suresh Raina grilled by ED in Rs 8.3 lakh crore illegal betting apps probe

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday for questioning in connection with a money-laundering case involving illegal online betting apps. The inquiry focuses on Raina’s alleged endorsement of 1xBet, a platform considered illegal under Indian law. His statement is being recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as part of the ongoing investigation.

The ED is examining Raina’s role in promoting 1xBet and other associated platforms, including contracts, payments, and communications with the app operators. Officials are seeking to determine whether Raina and other celebrities were aware of the platforms’ illegal status, including the classification of games as gambling rather than skill-based, which is prohibited in several Indian states. Other figures under investigation include Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Bollywood actor Urvashi Rautela.

Illegal betting apps such as 1xBet, Lotus65, and FairPlay reportedly have over 22 crore Indian users, with approximately 11 crore being regular participants. These apps are alleged to have caused significant financial losses to individuals and families, while evading government taxes. In the first quarter of 2025, such apps reportedly received over 1.5 billion visits, with the market now valued at Rs 8.3 lakh crore and growing at an estimated 30 percent annually.

The ED is also investigating tech companies like Google and Meta to examine whether they facilitated advertisements for these apps. Officials are looking into potential profits earned by these platforms from promotional content and whether proper vetting of advertisers was conducted. Previous inquiries have highlighted the tendency of banned apps to reappear under new names, complicating regulatory enforcement.

Authorities have noted that online betting platforms often present themselves as skill-based games but use algorithms that classify them as gambling. Reports indicate that such platforms have contributed to financial distress and, in some cases, suicides. The ED’s investigation aims to establish compliance with multiple laws, including the IT Act, the Foreign Exchange Management Act, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, while holding both celebrities and platform operators accountable.