The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the growing menace of illegal online betting platforms in India, now turning its attention to celebrity endorsements linked to these unlawful operations. According to a report by NDTV, former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina, along with Bollywood actors Sonu Sood and Urvashi Rautela, have been questioned in connection with their promotional involvement with banned betting websites such as 1xBet, FairPlay, Parimatch, and Lotus365.
Celebrity Endorsements Under the Scanner
The probe, which has been ongoing for several months, is now zeroing in on how these high-profile personalities may have inadvertently or knowingly promoted illegal betting activities. These platforms, banned under Indian law, have allegedly used “surrogate advertising” strategies to bypass digital and broadcasting regulations. By operating under similar-sounding brand names like 1xBat, these entities ran misleading marketing campaigns that included QR codes, web links, and promotional content to funnel users to the actual betting sites.
This surrogate model not only misleads consumers but also violates Indian advertising and online gaming laws, especially when endorsements by celebrities give a veneer of legitimacy to these platforms.
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ED Issues Notices and Expands Investigation
The ED has already issued notices to several celebrities connected to these promotional campaigns. While some have complied and appeared for questioning, others are expected to receive formal notices in the coming days. The agency is reportedly investigating the financial transactions, brand deals, and compensation structures involved in these endorsements to identify possible violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
Authorities are particularly concerned about the widespread reach of these betting platforms, which leverage the fan base of cricketers and film stars to attract users—especially the youth—into participating in illegal gambling activities.
Legal and Regulatory Implications
Online betting remains largely illegal in most parts of India, with strict regulations on promoting such platforms. The use of celebrities for surrogate advertising raises serious questions about ethical marketing and compliance. If found guilty, celebrities could face penalties ranging from fines to more serious legal action under Indian laws.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has also issued multiple advisories in the past warning media houses and influencers against promoting betting platforms. Despite this, several online campaigns have continued unabated, making it imperative for enforcement agencies to step in.
A Wake-Up Call for Influencers and Brands
This investigation serves as a wake-up call for influencers, celebrities, and digital marketing agencies to exercise greater due diligence before associating with online platforms. With the legal net tightening, promotional associations with banned or grey-market platforms could lead to serious consequences.
As the ED widens its probe, more names from the entertainment and sports industry may come under scrutiny. The case is expected to set a strong precedent in the battle against illegal online betting and its widespread influence in India’s digital and advertising space.
