ED questions Robin Uthappa under PMLA in growing crackdown on illegal betting and celebrity endorsements in India
Robin Uthappa Summoned in Money Laundering Probe
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to the online betting platform 1xBet.
- Uthappa (39) arrived at the ED office around 11 am
- He was questioned under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
- ED is investigating possible illegal payments and tax evasion
Celebrities Under Scanner: Not Just Uthappa
Uthappa is not the only high-profile figure involved in the case. Several celebrities have already been questioned or summoned:
✅ Already Questioned:
- Suresh Raina (Ex-India cricketer)
- Shikhar Dhawan (Cricketer)
- Mimi Chakraborty (Former TMC MP & Actor)
- Ankush Hazra (Bengali actor)
Upcoming Summons:
- Yuvraj Singh (Tuesday)
- Sonu Sood (Wednesday)
What Is 1xBet?
- 1xBet is a Curacao-registered betting company
- Operates in 70 languages, with millions of users worldwide
- Allows betting on thousands of sporting events
- Marketed heavily in India despite real-money betting being illegal
ED’s Key Questions to Celebrities
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating:
- How were they contacted for promotions?
- Who were the nodal agents in India?
- How were payments made – via banking channels or hawala?
- Was payment received in India or abroad?
- Were the celebrities aware that real-money betting is banned in India?
The ED has also asked all individuals to submit:
- Contracts
- Emails and communication related to 1xBet
- Banking or transaction documents
Larger Crackdown on Illegal Betting & Gaming
This investigation is part of a broader effort to clean up the illegal online gaming and betting industry in India.
- The Union Government recently banned real-money online gaming
- ED has begun “focused strategies” to tackle betting-related financial crimes
- India reportedly had 22 crore users on betting platforms; 11 crore were regular users
- The market was estimated to be worth $100 billion, growing at 30% annually
Blocking Action by Government:
- 1,524 orders issued to block online betting platforms (2022–June 2025)
