ED Grills Urvashi Rautela, Harbhajan Singh & Others For Endorsing Ads Linked To Illegal Betting Apps

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its probe into illegal online betting platforms, now scrutinising endorsements by former cricketers and Bollywood actors. Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Sonu Sood, and Urvashi Rautela have been questioned regarding their promotional ties with banned platforms like 1xBet, FairPlay, Parimatch, and Lotus365. These platforms used "surrogate" names in ads to redirect users to the original sites.

These platforms claim to offer skill-based games but are actually luck-based with manipulated algorithms, classifying them as gambling under the law. Despite government bans, sites like 1xBet have gained visibility through aggressive promotions involving celebrities and influencers. The ED has issued notices to some celebrities linked to these endorsements and others may soon receive similar notices.

Media Organisations Under Scrutiny

The ED's investigation has also extended to media organisations alleged to have published surrogate advertisements for significant payouts. Over INR 50 crore has been tracked as payments to these media outlets and advertising firms. The watchdog is further reviewing transactions related to such endorsements.

Meanwhile, state governments are taking their own measures against online gaming platforms. Haryana recently notified its public gambling prevention act targeting public gambling and betting in sports or elections. The Madras High Court upheld Tamil Nadu's regulations on the real money gaming sector, affirming the state's right to legislate on public health and trade matters within its borders.

Supreme Court's Involvement

The Supreme Court is grappling with cases related to betting and gaming platforms due to a lack of clear guidelines for the online gaming industry. Last month, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh sought a response from the Centre on a PIL seeking regulation of all online and offline betting apps. The petitioner argued that many children had committed suicide after engaging in online betting through apps promoted by influencers.

The petitioner also claimed that an FIR was lodged in Telangana against influencers for violating fundamental rights. However, the bench remarked that these issues were societal aberrations and enacting laws might not prevent voluntary betting indulgence.

State Governments' Actions

While awaiting the Centre's stance on online gaming amid debates over luck-based versus skill-based gaming, state governments are implementing their own rules. After Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, Haryana is the latest state making it challenging for online gaming startups in India.

The government's attempt to revise online gaming regulations two years ago remains unfulfilled, leaving the industry uncertain. As states take independent actions against betting platforms, the need for comprehensive national regulations becomes more pressing.