Illegal Betting in India Peaks During IPL 2025: Report Raises Alarming Concerns

As the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches, experts warn of a sharp rise in illegal betting and gambling activities across India. A recent report by the Digital India Foundation highlights that deposits in illicit betting platforms have surpassed $100 billion annually, with a staggering 30% year-on-year growth.

These numbers underscore the mounting concerns over unregulated online gambling, especially during high-profile sporting events like the IPL.

Alarming Surge in Illegal Betting Platforms

According to the Digital India Foundation's report, four major online betting platforms—Parimatch, Stake, 1xBet, and Battery Bet—recorded an astonishing 1.6 billion visits within three months (October–December 2024). This reflects the scale of illegal betting operations, which continue to flourish despite regulatory crackdowns.

Additionally, social media giants like Facebook, Meta, and Telegram played a significant role in driving traffic to these platforms. 42.8 million visits were linked to paid promotions, influencer marketing, and targeted social media campaigns, amplifying concerns over these platforms' reach and accessibility.

Tactics Used by Illegal Betting Apps

Illegal betting operators deploy sophisticated search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to rank high in search results for keywords like "best IPL betting site" and "online casino without KYC". These operators also utilize Telegram, WhatsApp, and social media ads to promote gambling platforms, making them easily accessible to unsuspecting users.

Influencers with millions of followers further exacerbate the issue by promoting betting websites via WhatsApp broadcast channels and other digital mediums. Such aggressive marketing tactics significantly contribute to the growth of illegal gambling in India.

Money Laundering and Fraud Risks

Speaking to a news agency, Arvind Gupta, Founder of the Digital India Foundation, expressed serious concerns over illicit financial transactions linked to illegal betting. He stated that many of these apps serve as conduits for money laundering and financing unlawful activities, including the potential funding of elections abroad.

He further highlighted that numerous Indian users fall prey to fraudulent schemes on these platforms. The involvement of mule accounts—bank accounts used to transfer illicit funds—makes it challenging to track the final destination of betting proceeds, complicating law enforcement efforts.

Social Media’s Role in Enabling Betting Ads

The report also revealed that, until recently, Meta hosted over 1,040 gambling-related ads across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. Despite existing regulations, social media networks continue to profit from advertising revenue generated by illegal gambling platforms.

Gupta emphasized the need for the Indian government to adopt a comprehensive, ecosystem-based regulatory approach rather than relying solely on website blocking. This would involve tighter scrutiny of social media advertising policies and proactive measures to curb illegal gambling promotions.

Recommended Actions to Curb Illegal Gambling

The report proposes the following measures to combat illegal betting and gambling in India:

• Holding social media companies accountable for allowing gambling-related advertisements and accepting payments for such promotions.

• Banning influencers who promote illegal betting sites and apps.

• Strengthening regulations to curb financial transactions linked to unauthorized gambling platforms.

• Increasing collaboration between government authorities and tech companies to track and block illicit gambling operations effectively.

Conclusion

The alarming rise of illegal betting and gambling in India, particularly during the IPL season, underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement. With deposits exceeding $100 billion annually and growing at a rapid pace, the unchecked expansion of online betting platforms poses significant risks, including money laundering, financial fraud, and social exploitation.

The Digital India Foundation’s report highlights the role of social media platforms in driving traffic to illegal gambling websites, raising concerns about accountability and regulatory oversight.

To curb this menace, the government must collaborate with technology companies, social media platforms, and financial institutions to implement a comprehensive crackdown. Measures such as banning gambling-related advertisements, blocking illicit betting websites, and penalizing influencers promoting such platforms are crucial.

Without decisive action, illegal betting will continue to thrive, impacting not only India’s economy but also the integrity of sports and public trust in digital platforms.