Raina appears before ED in illegal betting probe
Former Indian cricketer and Chennai Super Kings star Suresh Raina was questioned on Wednesday by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a major investigation into illegal online betting platforms, including the banned app 1xBet.
As per an NDTV report, Raina was originally expected to appear before the ED on Wednesday. Official sources have since confirmed that the 38-year-old did appear at the ED’s headquarters in New Delhi, where his statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
He was seen interacting with CISF personnel and ED officials before marking his attendance at around 11 am.
The ED is probing whether Raina, who served as 1xBet’s “responsible gaming ambassador” in India, was aware of the platform’s illegal status and whether he received financial benefits beyond standard endorsement fees.
Widening investigation draws celebrities into spotlight
Raina’s questioning is part of a broader crackdown by the ED on illicit betting networks that allegedly defraud users and dodge massive tax liabilities.
1xBet, which is outlawed in India but continues to operate clandestinely, has reportedly built a vast user base by offering bets on everything from cricket matches to e-sports. Raina’s association with the brand began last year, as part of a campaign promoting “safe gaming.”
ED officials are reportedly examining how Raina was brought on board, the financial terms of the deal, and whether he had knowledge of the app’s illegal betting operations.
While no direct allegations have been made against Raina yet, the scope of his involvement — particularly any evidence suggesting financial gains tied to the illegal operations — could determine the seriousness of any legal consequences.
Other celebrities have also come under scrutiny in similar cases, including former cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh, and Bollywood personalities like Ranbir Kapoor and Kapil Sharma.
India’s booming illegal betting market under scrutiny
The ED’s investigation comes amid growing concern over India’s rapidly expanding illegal online betting economy, which experts estimate to be worth over $100 billion, growing at a rate of 30% annually.
According to market analysis firms and investigating agencies, as many as 22 crore Indians are users of various online betting platforms, with around 11 crore believed to be active regular users.
In a related move, the ED recently summoned representatives from Google and Meta as part of their probe into how these platforms may have been used to promote or facilitate access to such apps.
In addition to the 1xBet case, the ED also launched multi-state raids targeting another app, Parimatch, as part of the same crackdown.
Government position: betting is a state subject
The legal framework around online betting remains complex. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada emphasized the division of powers between state and central governments.
“Under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, ‘Betting and gambling’ is a State subject (entry 34 of the List II). Therefore, as per the provisions of article 246 read with article 162 of the Constitution, State Legislatures have the power to legislate on matters related to betting and gambling,” Prasada told the Lok Sabha.
He further noted:
“The Central Government supplements the efforts of the States/Union Territories through advisories and financial assistance under various schemes for capacity building of their LEA.”
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology reported that between 2022 and June 2025, it issued 1,524 orders to block illegal betting and gambling platforms.
What’s next for Raina?
As of now, there are no formal charges against Raina, and his appearance before the ED appears to be investigatory in nature. However, the case will hinge on the ED’s findings regarding the extent of his involvement with 1xBet.
Once a poster boy of Indian cricket with a celebrated IPL and international career, Raina now finds himself navigating a different kind of scrutiny — one that could have legal and reputational consequences.
If the ED uncovers any active involvement beyond mere endorsement, Raina may be at risk of facing more serious actions, including potential asset scrutiny under the PMLA.
