India summons Google and Meta over illegal betting probe
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating whether the tech giants facilitated money laundering through ads for unauthorised betting apps.
India.- India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned senior executives from tech giants Google and Meta to appear for questioning on July 21 as part of a major investigation into illegal online betting and money laundering. The probe has already implicated celebrities, influencers and political figures.
Authorities allege that the companies sold betting apps premium advertising slots, allowing them to reach a wide audience and generate illicit revenue. The ED is seeking detailed explanations from the companies regarding their ad approval policies and whether sufficient due diligence was applied.
One of the most prominent cases under investigation involves the Mahadev Betting App. Allegations have also emerged linking these funds to political figures, including a claim that former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel received over ₹500 crore (US$58m), an accusation he has denied.
Another betting platform under scrutiny is the Fairplay App, which allegedly streamed Indian Premier League (IPL) matches illegally while facilitating unregulated betting. According to the ED, this resulted in major financial losses for Viacom18, the official IPL broadcaster. The app’s popularity was reportedly fueled by high-profile endorsements.
The ED has already filed cases against 29 public figures, including Bollywood actors and social media influencers, for promoting illegal betting disguised as online gaming. Payments made to these celebrities are also being examined for signs of financial misconduct or violations of advertising laws.
India’s regulatory framework of 2022 prohibits gambling advertisements. Officials say many apps misrepresent themselves as skill-based games to bypass regulations.
