In June 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned several high-profile Indian celebrities — including Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Urvashi Rautela, and Sonu Sood — for allegedly endorsing illegal online betting platforms like FairPlay, 1xBat, Lotus365, and Parimatch.
These platforms are accused of operating as surrogate betting websites, disguising gambling as “sports fantasy” or “skill-based gaming” to bypass Indian laws.
Why Were These Celebrities Questioned?
The ED is investigating whether these actors and cricketers knowingly participated in marketing campaigns that led millions of Indians to illegal gambling apps. The apps were promoted under aliases — for example, 1xBat is believed to be a surrogate for 1xBet, a banned betting platform in India.
Endorsements reportedly included:
- Social media promotions
- Paid video ads
- QR code-driven app installations
- Promotional events with embedded tracking links
These endorsements, backed by celebrities with massive fan bases, are believed to have helped normalize and amplify the reach of these illegal betting operations.
What Did Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj Say?
Both actors were involved in promoting illegal betting apps and later on issued public statements following the ED probe:
- Rana Daggubati stated, “I have never knowingly participated in any illegal promotional activity. I was assured the platform was compliant with Indian laws. I am cooperating fully with the authorities.”
- Prakash Raj also responded, “I have always maintained ethical standards in my endorsements. The platform I was associated with presented itself as a legal fantasy gaming app. If there was any misrepresentation, I was unaware of it.”
These statements reflect a broader defense being used by many public figures — that they were misled or unaware of the illegal backend operations of these apps.
What Is the ED Investigating Exactly?
The ED’s probe focuses on several key legal concerns:
1. Money Laundering & FEMA Violations
These promotions may have facilitated cross-border fund transfers, violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) rules. Funds earned from such promotions could also fall under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) scrutiny.
2. Surrogate Advertising
Despite advisories from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, many betting companies used surrogate branding (e.g., promoting a fantasy app that links back to a gambling site) — a tactic that may violate advertising standards.
3. IT Act & Benami Transactions
The use of encrypted links, QR codes, and misleading affiliate setups could lead to violations under the Information Technology Act and Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act.
Scale of the Scam: Numbers That Shock
- ₹50+ crore reportedly spent on celebrity endorsements for these apps
- 1.6 billion visits recorded on illegal betting platforms in Q1 2025 alone
- Estimated $100+ billion size of the illegal betting market in India
- ₹27,000 crore potential annual tax revenue lost due to unregulated betting
(Source: ED estimates, news reports)
Which Platforms Are Under the Scanner?
The main platforms being investigated for operating illegal betting fronts include:
- FairPlay
- 1xBat
- Lotus365
- Parimatch
These apps often advertise themselves as fantasy sports or prediction markets but redirect users to full-scale betting operations once installed or after scanning a code.
Public Figures Involved (as of June 2025)
| Name | Profession | Alleged Role | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harbhajan Singh | Ex-Cricketer | Promoted suspect app | Yet to issue public comment |
| Yuvraj Singh | Ex-Cricketer | Endorsed gambling-linked platforms | Silent so far |
| Suresh Raina | Ex-Cricketer | Part of promotional campaigns | Cooperating |
| Urvashi Rautela | Actor | Featured in promotional ads | No official statement yet |
| Sonu Sood | Actor | Endorsed via digital campaigns | No statement yet |
| Rana Daggubati | Actor | Promoted app as brand ambassador | Denied knowledge of illegality |
| Prakash Raj | Actor | Promoted app in ads | Claimed platform misled him |
Why This Case Matters
This investigation isn’t just about celebrity promotions — it reflects a larger crackdown on online gambling in India, where laws remain fragmented and enforcement often lags behind tech-savvy operators.
Key Implications:
- Stronger crackdown on influencers and celebrities promoting illegal platforms
- Tighter digital advertising regulations for betting and gambling
- Potential court cases or penalties for knowingly endorsing banned apps
Read More:
What’s Next?
The ED may:
- File charges under FEMA or PMLA
- Freeze assets linked to the endorsement payments
- Summon more celebrities and agencies involved in the campaigns
A wider cleanup of India’s online betting landscape appears imminent — and this high-profile questioning may serve as a warning for others considering such deals.
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