Dhawan summoned in money laundering case
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in New Delhi on Thursday as part of its probe into illegal betting platforms and money laundering, according to a report by PTI. The agency is investigating links between celebrities and apps such as 1xBet, which are accused of tax evasion, fraudulent practices, and illicit fund transfers.
Dhawan reached the ED headquarters around 11 am, where his statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). “Once he deposes, the ED is expected to record his statements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA),” the source said, as quoted by Indian Express.
Wider crackdown on betting platforms
The ED has been scrutinising celebrities, influencers, and media outlets alleged to have promoted or profited from illegal betting apps. Last month, former cricketer Suresh Raina was questioned for nearly eight hours. “During questioning, they asked him how he was approached by the owners of a betting app, how money was paid to him, where they paid the tax and about several money transactions,” a source said, as quoted by Indian Express.
The agency has also summoned executives from tech giants Google and Meta, examining how these platforms carried advertisements for betting apps.
Alarming scale of the betting market
Officials describe the illegal betting economy in India as vast and fast-growing. “These platforms violate multiple laws and directions by the Indian government, including tax evasion, money laundering, and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), as money is transferred out of the country illegally. It is estimated that around 220 million Indian users are engaged on betting apps, and 110 million of these are regular users,” said the officer, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
In just the first three months of 2025, over 1.6 billion visits were logged on illegal betting sites. “The estimates also suggest that top betting apps are evading ₹27,000 crore (approx. $3.06b) in taxes annually,” the first ED officer said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Government clampdown intensifies
The Union government has already issued four advisories since 2023 warning media houses, publishers, and digital platforms against carrying advertisements for online betting. In addition, 1,524 blocking orders have been enforced between 2022 and June 2025 to take down illegal gambling websites and mobile apps.
Despite the bans, many platforms continue to operate under new names, often backed by surrogate advertising campaigns. With actors and sportspersons found endorsing these apps, the ED has made it clear that celebrity associations remain under active scrutiny.
