Latest news with #1xBet
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Crypto summer on 1xBet: iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and other gadgets in the draw
The rapid pace of cryptocurrency adoption has a significant impact on our daily lives. While in 2010, paying for two pizzas with bitcoins was a meme within the geek community, today you can use digital coins in online stores like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Shopify, as well as deposit and withdraw winnings from the platform of the global betting company 1xBet. Indian crypto market features A unique blockchain industry has emerged in our region, becoming one of the world's fastest-growing segments. The rapid development is attributed to the increased interest in cryptocurrency among young people, with more than 70% of individuals aged 20-35 being active users of Indian crypto exchanges. The figures confirm the growing trust in cryptocurrencies: in the fourth quarter of 2024, the trading volume on the country's largest exchanges increased by 100% and reached $1.9 billion. Experts predict that the positive dynamics will continue in the future. By 2035, the trading volume is expected to hit a record $15 billion. India leads the world in cryptocurrency adoption, with over 100 million people using the coins, or about 7-8% of the country's adult population. In terms of blockchain throughput, India is second only to Indonesia. The impressive figures are driven by the residents' interest, as well as their advanced skills in using UPI electronic payment mechanisms. 1xBet analyses the trends of the Indian crypto market and offers its clients the opportunity to deposit and withdraw winnings in bitcoins, popular stablecoins and altcoins. Why Indian users prefer cryptocurrencies over traditional payment methods Compared to bank payments and transfers from e-wallets, blockchain transactions have many obvious advantages. Cryptocurrencies have displaced traditional payment methods from various aspects of everyday life, including the gaming sector. Let's consider the main benefits of using blockchain transactions on the 1xBet platform: high speed: deposits and funds withdrawals take no more than 2-3 minutes, even on holidays, weekends, and during peak network load times. Processing bank transfers takes longer and may last several days; low fees: crypto transactions incur minimal financial costs compared to traditional payment systems. The commissions do not depend on the transfer amount: transactions of $20 and $2,000 will cost the same; anonymity and confidentiality: everyone values privacy, and cryptocurrencies can provide it. To replenish an account and withdraw funds, there is no need to share personal data with third parties, while information about the transfers is stored on the blockchain without being linked to the user's name; high security level: transfers within the blockchain network are protected by electronic signatures and cryptographic encryption. Counterfeiting, unauthorised changes to the recipient's wallet address, or transfer hacking are impossible; Innovation: support for popular cryptocurrencies confirms the technological advancement of the 1xBet platform and enhances user convenience. What cryptocurrencies does 1xBet support? There are 48 ways to make a cryptocurrency deposit on the 1xBet platform: stablecoins USDT (Tether), and USD Coin; Bitcoin and its most popular fork, Bitcoin Cash; the most popular altcoins: Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and others; memecoins DOGE and SHIBA INU; Web 3: Chainlink, Solana, Polkadot, and others. 1xBet analysts closely monitor the development of the crypto industry and incorporate coins from promising blockchain projects into the payment options, which have demonstrated their effectiveness and reliability. Crypto summer on 1xBet Until August 31, the 1xBet platform is running a seasonal promo for progressive players - Crypto miracle. For each crypto deposit, you can earn tickets to enter the draws for valuable prizes, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and other premium gadgets. 1xBet utilises innovations to ensure the safe and secure transfer for those who opt for the cryptocurrency payment method. The company strives to create a digital space that focuses on transparency, accessibility, and technology. About 1xBet 1xBet is a globally recognised bookmaker with 18 years in the betting industry. The brand's customers can place bets on thousands of sporting events, with the company's website and app available in 70 languages. The official partner list of 1xBet includes FC Barcelona, LOSC Lille, La Liga, Serie A, European Cricket Network, Durban's Super Giants, and other renowned sports brands and organisations. The company's ambassadors in India are famous cricketer Heinrich Klaasen and actress Urvashi Rautela. The company has repeatedly been a nominee and recipient of prestigious professional honours such as IGA, SBC, G2E Asia, and EGR Nordics Awards.
The Wire
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Wire
Crypto summer on 1xBet: iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and other gadgets in the draw
The rapid pace of cryptocurrency adoption has a significant impact on our daily lives. While in 2010, paying for two pizzas with bitcoins was a meme within the geek community, today you can use digital coins in online stores like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Shopify, as well as deposit and withdraw winnings from the platform of the global betting company 1xBet. Indian crypto market features A unique blockchain industry has emerged in our region, becoming one of the world's fastest-growing segments. The rapid development is attributed to the increased interest in cryptocurrency among young people, with more than 70% of individuals aged 20-35 being active users of Indian crypto exchanges. The figures confirm the growing trust in cryptocurrencies: in the fourth quarter of 2024, the trading volume on the country's largest exchanges increased by 100% and reached $1.9 billion. Experts predict that the positive dynamics will continue in the future. By 2035, the trading volume is expected to hit a record $15 billion. India leads the world in cryptocurrency adoption, with over 100 million people using the coins, or about 7-8% of the country's adult population. In terms of blockchain throughput, India is second only to Indonesia. The impressive figures are driven by the residents' interest, as well as their advanced skills in using UPI electronic payment mechanisms. 1xBet analyses the trends of the Indian crypto market and offers its clients the opportunity to deposit and withdraw winnings in bitcoins, popular stablecoins and altcoins. Why Indian users prefer cryptocurrencies over traditional payment methods Compared to bank payments and transfers from e-wallets, blockchain transactions have many obvious advantages. Cryptocurrencies have displaced traditional payment methods from various aspects of everyday life, including the gaming sector. Let's consider the main benefits of using blockchain transactions on the 1xBet platform: • high speed: deposits and funds withdrawals take no more than 2-3 minutes, even on holidays, weekends, and during peak network load times. Processing bank transfers takes longer and may last several days; • low fees: crypto transactions incur minimal financial costs compared to traditional payment systems. The commissions do not depend on the transfer amount: transactions of $20 and $2,000 will cost the same; • anonymity and confidentiality: everyone values privacy, and cryptocurrencies can provide it. To replenish an account and withdraw funds, there is no need to share personal data with third parties, while information about the transfers is stored on the blockchain without being linked to the user's name; • high security level: transfers within the blockchain network are protected by electronic signatures and cryptographic encryption. Counterfeiting, unauthorised changes to the recipient's wallet address, or transfer hacking are impossible; • Innovation: support for popular cryptocurrencies confirms the technological advancement of the 1xBet platform and enhances user convenience. What cryptocurrencies does 1xBet support? There are 48 ways to make a cryptocurrency deposit on the 1xBet platform: • stablecoins USDT (Tether), and USD Coin; • Bitcoin and its most popular fork, Bitcoin Cash; • the most popular altcoins: Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and others; • memecoins DOGE and SHIBA INU; • Web 3: Chainlink, Solana, Polkadot, and others. 1xBet analysts closely monitor the development of the crypto industry and incorporate coins from promising blockchain projects into the payment options, which have demonstrated their effectiveness and reliability. Crypto summer on 1xBet Until August 31, the 1xBet platform is running a seasonal promo for progressive players - Crypto miracle. For each crypto deposit, you can earn tickets to enter the draws for valuable prizes, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and other premium gadgets. 1xBet utilises innovations to ensure the safe and secure transfer for those who opt for the cryptocurrency payment method. The company strives to create a digital space that focuses on transparency, accessibility, and technology. About 1xBet 1xBet is a globally recognised bookmaker with 18 years in the betting industry. The brand's customers can place bets on thousands of sporting events, with the company's website and app available in 70 languages. The official partner list of 1xBet includes FC Barcelona, LOSC Lille, La Liga, Serie A, European Cricket Network, Durban's Super Giants, and other renowned sports brands and organisations. The company's ambassadors in India are famous cricketer Heinrich Klaasen and actress Urvashi Rautela. The company has repeatedly been a nominee and recipient of prestigious professional honours such as IGA, SBC, G2E Asia, and EGR Nordics Awards. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Exclusive interview with Heinrich Klaasen: 'I'm leaving the national team, not cricket'
South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen has announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of an essential chapter in the life of one of modern cricket's most dynamic batsmen. At 33, he is stepping away from the international stage. Still, he will continue to play in national leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), SA20 and The Hundred in England. Klaasen played his final match for South Africa in March, facing New Zealand in the semifinal of the Champions Trophy — a fitting end to a prosperous international career. Club action ahead, and star plans to keep playing for at least 3 more years. Heinrich Klaasen, an ambassador for the betting company 1xBet, shared a message with his fans regarding the decision. 'It is a sad day for me. It took me a long time to decide what's best for me and my family for the future,' he wrote in his farewell statement. Rise to glory Klaasen made his name as one of the most aggressive batters in world cricket. His powerful shots and ability to shift the game's tempo made him a vital part of the South African national team, especially in recent years. One of the most memorable moments of Klaasen's career was his phenomenal 174 runs off 83 balls against Australia in Centurion. That innings became one of the greatest in ODI history and perfectly captured Klaasen's style: ruthless, confident, and thrilling to watch. He also played a key role in South Africa's run to the semifinals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Heinrich's talent shone brightest when the pressure was highest, when the team needed someone to take risks and snatch victory in tight contests. He played in that part of the squad on which everything depended: either you win or you lose — one ball, one moment, one shot. Why now? The decision for Klaassen was difficult, but a conscious one. As he explains, personal circumstances played a significant role: 'Just family. Traveling is getting too much at the moment, and I need to put my family first. The older you get, the better you get to know yourself and how to play to your strengths. I have matured nicely, so my game doesn't need much. Got a family to look after, so the motivation is easy,' he stated in a commentary for 1xBet. This candid confession shows the maturity and priorities of a player who, despite his success, hasn't let the game consume him. Instead, he chooses to balance sport with his personal life. Recognition and influence Over the years in the IPL, Klaasen has become an integral part of Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 2024, SRH reached the playoff final, falling just one step short of the trophy, and Heinrich was one of the key architects of that success. 'I have only retired from international cricket, so hopefully there will be a couple more IPL tournaments in the future. IPL is a great tournament and as tough as it gets, so enjoying it at the moment,' says Klaasen. He also notes that he's particularly inspired by the team's young talents — Abhishek and Nitish — who, in his words, are destined to dominate the game in the future. Heinrich Klaasen recalls that a particularly significant moment in his career came two seasons ago. Back then, he returned to the Indian Premier League and had an impressive tournament, delivering strong performances with the bat. According to him, that period changed a lot — not just in terms of statistics, but also in how he understood his own role in cricket. Klaasen admits that the IPL has changed him as a player and also as a person. 'Just being a batter that bowlers didn't like to bowl to, and a guy that played the game hard, but a good guy in the field,' he says. 'Hopefully, I can get young kids to play a brand of cricket similar to mine.' Heinrich does not rule out the possibility that, in the future, when the time comes to end his career, he will stay in cricket as a coach or mentor to pass on his experience to the new generation. The athlete is an idol for young players from all over the world, but even now, he continues to remember those from whom he learned. Klaasen speaks particularly warmly of David Miller, who he says had the greatest influence on Heinrich's approach to the game. He advises young players who are just starting out in big cricket not to rush things or try to overreach. The key is to understand yourself and stay true to your principles. 'Don't overdo it, get to know yourself and stay true to yourself, then you will be okay,' is Heinrich's approach. If given the chance to replay one match in his life, Klaasen would choose his Test debut without a second thought. He recalls: 'Test Debut, I would like to go back and hopefully do better than the first shot, but that's part of life.' What's next? One more time, it's worth emphasizing: Klaasen only finishes his career with the national team. At the club level, he still has many challenges ahead. Shortly, he will continue to play in the IPL, as well as in tournaments like the MLC, The Hundred, and SA20. Stepping away from the international stage will allow Heinrich to spend more time with his family, giving them some of the energy that helped him become an outstanding player. According to a recent fan poll conducted by 1xBet, the South African ranked among the top 5 most popular athletes in the IPL. Klaasen has won fans' hearts with his dynamic and spectacular playing style. 'He's my idol, and his shots are incredible! Absolute striking power,' one enthusiast wrote. Every time Heinrich steps onto the field, he showcases top-tier skills and the mindset of a true winner. Regardless of team loyalties, cricket lovers unanimously agree: 'Klaasen is a true champion.' His excellent physical form perfectly complements his natural talent. That's why he is constantly in the spotlight of fans' attention: 'I bet on him because I believe he's the best player right now,' one supporter summed up. Although there will be no more matches for the national team, Klaasen leaves behind more than just stats — he leaves a legacy of style, spirit, and a voice that will echo for years to come: in stadiums, locker rooms, and the fans' hearts. When asked how he would like to be remembered, Klaasen answers simply: 'As a good teammate and a highly skilled cricketer.' Fortunately, fans will still have plenty of chances to enjoy his game, just not for the national team anymore. About 1xBet 1xBet is a globally recognised bookmaker with 18 years in the betting industry. The brand's customers can place bets on thousands of sporting events, with the company's website and app available in 70 languages. The official partner list of 1xBet includes FC Barcelona, LOSC Lille, La Liga, Serie A, European Cricket Network, Durban's Super Giants, and other renowned sports brands and organizations. The company's ambassadors in India are famous cricketer Heinrich Klaasen and actress Urvashi Rautela. The company has repeatedly been a nominee and recipient of prestigious professional honours such as IGA, SBC, G2E Asia, and EGR Nordics Awards.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Sai Sudharsan's rise, Shreyas Iyer's clear leadership and Vaibhav Suryavanshi's debut — how IPL 2025 influenced fans' favourites
The global company 1xBet carried out a large-scale study to find out how the results of the 2025 Indian Premier League affected fan support. The season brought several major surprises: Royal Challengers Bangalore won their first-ever title, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi made a stunning debut, and Sai Sudharsan showed brilliant progress by scoring 759 runs and rightfully claiming the Orange Cap. As part of the study, over 3,000 respondents were surveyed. They picked their MVP of the season, the most successful captain, and the best young player. Best player of 2025 Indian Premier League according to fans Before the season, 1xBet ran a similar survey — let's see how fan favourites changed: Sai Sudharsan showed the most impressive progress. A month before the start of IPL 2025, he wasn't even in the top 10 players chosen by fans. But after the championship, he became the leader of this ranking, receiving over half the votes. Interestingly, Sai Sudharsan was supported most actively by fans from Maharashtra (11.17%), rather than from his home state of Tamil Nadu (5.49%). The fans' choice is justified: the top-order batter showed an amazing performance, scoring 759 runs during the season. He played skillfully under pressure and rightly won the Orange Cap as the tournament's top scorer. Without a doubt, Sai Sudharsan has a bright future ahead and could become one of the India national team. Suryakumar Yadav also had a great season. After IPL 2025, he gained 10% more votes compared to the survey before the season and moved up from 10th place to second in the rankings. This rise was helped by votes from fans in Uttar Pradesh (12.50%), even though he was born in and plays for the Maharashtra team (9.87%). This player's main strength is consistency. The right-handed batter scored 25+ runs per match and earned the championship's MVP award. Thanks to his performance, the Mumbai Indians did well in the regular season and reached the semifinals. Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli finishes third, receiving 8.60% of fan votes. Before the championship, he was the ranking leader and met fans' expectations, playing a key role in the final and helping RCB end an 18-year trophy drought. However, no one predicted the rapid progress and standout performances of Sai Sudharsan and Suryakumar Yadav, so Kohli came third. Also in the top 5 are Shreyas Iyer (7.05%) and Heinrich Klaasen (4%). Before the season, no one expected much from the Punjab Kings captain, but his leadership skills and calmness completely changed fans' opinions, earning him a well-deserved 4th place. Heinrich Klaasen also impressed fans in a new way, delivering one of the season's brightest highlights — a 37-ball knockout against KKR. MS Dhoni delivered the biggest underperformance. Before IPL 2025, he confidently held second place in the fan ranking of top players, but by the end of the championship, he didn't even make the top 10. This drop was mainly due to the overall failure of the Chennai Super Kings, who earned only 8 points and finished at the bottom of the standings. The study showed that the most active voters were men aged 25-34. On average, this age group made up 30-50% of the votes, depending on the player. The research also revealed growing interest in cricket among younger fans: supporters aged 20-24 strongly backed Virat Kohli, matching the activity level of the 25-34 age group, both contributing 33% of the votes. Top three captains of 2025 Indian Premier League According to the 1xBet survey results, fan support was distributed as follows: Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) — 58,50%. Rajat Patidar (RCB) — 23,20%. Hardik Pandya (MI) — 3,80%. The Punjab Kings captain received over half of the fan votes, topping the ranking by a huge margin. Shreyas Iyer knows how to lead his teammates and lift the squad during tough moments. At the same time, he's showing top-level playing skills, with a high strike rate of 175.80. Many experts and fans believe that Punjab managed to reach the playoffs for the first time in 11 years, largely thanks to Iyer's efforts. His impact on the crew changed the franchise's future, and he could soon be handed the captain's armband for the India national team. Shreyas Iyer has the mentality of a true winner and proves through his example that even one man can make a difference. Rajat Patidar received nearly half as many votes, but he helped RCB win the franchise's first-ever championship title. The debutant captain handled his new role brilliantly and posted an impressive strike rate of 143.78. He managed to instil confidence in his squad members, and thanks to this resilience, RCB won all their away matches in the regular season — a unique performance that will go down in IPL history. Shreyas Iyer received over half of the fan votes, comfortably ahead of Rajat Patidar, who took second place. Hardik Pandya from the Mumbai Indians edged out Shubman Gill to claim the bronze in the fan ranking. Who didn't meet fans' expectations In the survey, fans also named the top 5 players they believe failed in IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant — 20%. MS Dhoni — 9,2%. Mohammed Shami — 5%. Hardik Pandya — 4,7%. Abhishek Sharma — 4,6%. Money doesn't play cricket, and the case of the Rishabh Pant auction proves this clearly. The record transfer fee of ₹27-28 crore put heavy pressure on the captain and main star of LSG. On average, Pant scored only 13-15 runs per match, and his contribution to the team's overall performance was minimal. As a result, the Lucknow Super Giants didn't get the expected impact from the expensive auction, finished 7th in the regular season, and missed the playoffs. Fans never saw explosive innings from Rishabh Pant; instead, he got out early in games. He lacked consistency and confidence in his captaincy decisions. Some fans believe he burned out before the championship started and looked lost in crucial matches. Half as many people voted MS Dhoni as the biggest disappointment, but the letdown over his performance is similar in scale to Pant's failure. Fans wanted to see a spectacular end to the career of Indian cricket's GOAT, but it seems MS Dhoni missed the best moment to say goodbye. Now, he looks like a pale shadow of his former self. His vast experience keeps him valuable as a mentor and tactician, but MS Dhoni barely impacts his squad's performance. He comes in too late, batting at 8th or even 9th position. Many question his fitness level and ongoing knee problems. With the captain in this shape, CSK had no chance of making the playoffs. Fans believe MS Dhoni's time is over and that he should consider retiring, as it's unlikely he will leave on a high note. Mohammed Shami rounds out the top three biggest disappointments. For a long time, he was a symbol of reliability in the India national team's attack and a hero of the 2023 World Cup, but he clearly failed in IPL 2025. Due to an ankle injury, Shami lost his former rhythm and no longer controls his bowling, which was his main weapon. At the same time, his purchase was a major investment for SRH. The amount spent did not match the impact delivered. Mohammed Shami conceded over 12 runs per over in several matches in a row, and his performance against PBKS went down in IPL history as one of the most notable failures (0/75). Top 10 young players of IPL 2025 This season was full of bright debuts and exciting performances by young talents. Fans remembered these players the most: Sai Sudharsan — 30,80%. Vaibhav Suryavanshi — 29,80%. Ayush Mhatre — 13,80%. Priyansh Arya — 8,90%. Noor Ahmad — 3,20%. Prabhsimran Singh — 2,30%. Harshit Rana — 2%. Vipraj Nigam — 1.60%. Arshin Kulkarni — 0.90%. Ishan Malinga — 0.90%. Sai Sudharsan beat Vaibhav Suryavanshi by just 1% to win the fan vote for best young player. The formula for the success of the top-order batter from the Gujarat Titans is a strong mix of talent and a high strike rate (150+). Sai Sudharsan became the youngest player to score over 700 runs in the IPL and won the Orange Cap. At just 14, Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest player in IPL history and plays better than many veterans. He played 7 matches and scored 252 runs. He also has a high strike rate of 206.56. Despite his young age, Vaibhav Suryavanshi plays very aggressively and fearlessly. He hits sixes from the very first ball and is the perfect example of an explosive style. Just imagine what this guy will be able to do when experience in big matches is added to his natural talent. The Rajasthan Royals have the most valuable long-term asset in the league. IPL is most unpredictable and thrilling cricket league The results of the India Cricket Next Gen study confirmed that the IPL 2025 season brought plenty of exciting matches, surprises, and standout individual performances. This season also saw many high-profile debuts — young players are developing very quickly. Follow the IPL and India's regional leagues with 1xBet and enjoy the rise of new legends in the cricket world! About 1xBet 1xBet is a globally recognised bookmaker with 18 years in the betting industry. The brand's customers can place bets on thousands of sporting events, with the company's website and app available in 70 languages. The official partner list of 1xBet includes FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, LOSC Lille, La Liga, Serie A, European Cricket Network, Durban's Super Giants, and other renowned sports brands and organizations. The company's ambassadors in India are famous cricketer Heinrich Klaasen and actress Urvashi Rautela. The company has repeatedly been a nominee and recipient of prestigious professional honours such as IGA, SBC, G2E Asia, and EGR Nordics Awards.
The Print
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The Print
ED takes note of leading dailies for ‘surrogate ads' of illegal betting platforms ‘preying' on users
This and other such apps are not only being endorsed by celebrities—including former cricketers like Shikhar Dhawan and actors like Sonu Sood—but their ads also appear prominently on the front pages of major Indian publications, for which they have been paid more than Rs 50 crore, ThePrint has learnt. Dhawan's team has denied he is associated with the betting app. Once a person scans and clicks the link, they are redirected to '1xBet', a betting platform. New Delhi: A full front-page advertisement in three prominent newspapers urges readers to scan a QR code to join 1XBAT Sporting Lines, a sports merchandise brand allegedly linked to an offshore betting platform. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is investigating several illegal gaming cases, has now taken note of these 'surrogate advertisements'. Thousands of people are falling prey to this misleading promotion daily through these QR codes, a source said. A source familiar with the matter said this practice—promoting betting platforms under the name of sports merchandise brands 1XBAT and 1XBAT Sporting Lines—violates multiple laws and regulations, including the Information Technology Act, Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and advisories issued by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). 'There are 22 crore Indian users of various betting apps. 11 crore are regular users. Moreover, by looking at these ads in the papers, many more people are joining these applications and falling prey on a daily basis,' a source said. When the investigators approached the media outlets to ask who were giving these ads, no clear answers were given. 'They said a company based in Switzerland was giving the ads,' the source said. ThePrint reached out to 1XBAT over social media with queries but no response was received. Their website does not mention any email address or details of the company's owners. This report will be updated as and when a response is received. According to ED sources, 1xBet, FairPlay, Parimatch, Lotus365 are heavily promoted by celebrities. For example, 1xBet is promoted by Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Sonu Sood, Suresh Raina, Urvashi Rautela and several social media influencers, despite bans. Also Read: ED makes 9th arrest in probe against betting app Mahadev Online Book 'Rs 27000 crore evaded every year' According to sources in the agency, in just the first three months of 2025, more than 1.6 billion visits happened on illegal betting websites. 'The online betting market in India is now worth over $100 billion, growing 30 percent every year,' a source said. 'As per estimates, top betting apps are evading Rs 27,000 crore in taxes every year.' The officer explained that many apps use the name of 'skill games' to appear legal, which in reality is not the case. The results of these games are not based on skill but purely on luck. 'Fantasy games involve money and rigged algorithms. If money is at stake, it is not a game, it is gambling,' the officer said. 'It is a menace. It is not just an addiction but causes stress, depression and even leads to suicides as it pushes people in debt,' a second officer said. 'In India, thousands including students and housewives have died by suicide due to online betting losses. A PIL says over 1,023 suicides happened in Telangana alone. Poor people suffer the most. They fall into the trap of easy money and lose everything,' the officer explained. The officer added that there have been many instances that came to their notice of school and college children getting involved in these games and losing money just in a bid to 'get rich fast'. According to a second source, dummy accounts were made on the platform by officers probing the cases and details of deposit and withdrawal through mule accounts were identified. The ED has identified several Benami accounts till now and action has been taken. But this is a rampant problem and a challenging one, the source said. 'They use accounts for only a few hours. By the time we identify the VPA handle, call details from NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) and send directions to the Bank; money is already gone,' the source explained. Also Read: As Telangana police crack down on actors promoting betting apps, CM Reddy announces SIT 'Need for regulation' Alerted by the high volume of transactions and the scale of money involved, the Centre is also undertaking a deep look into the multi-billion dollar online gaming industry, red-flagged by investigating agencies for fraud and money laundering. Although several meetings have taken place in this regard, nothing concrete has yet been decided. Sources in the security establishment told ThePrint that various ministries, departments, and agencies were collectively working on a comprehensive report on the extent of growth of the online gaming industry and its national security ramifications to recommend regulations for the industry. The primary aim is to bring the online gaming companies under anti-money laundering laws, subjecting them to stricter compliance and financial scrutiny, to curb unchecked mushrooming of online gaming apps—already under probe—duping users. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: Dubai police arrests Mahadev betting app co-owner Ravi Uppal, ED 'starts extradition process'
