ED Summons Google And Meta Over Alleged Promotion Of Illegal Betting Apps

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued notices to Google and Meta, summoning representatives of both companies for questioning on 21 July. The summons are linked to an ongoing investigation into a network of online betting platforms suspected of financial irregularities, including money laundering and unauthorised cross-border fund transfers.

The ED alleges that the two tech firms facilitated the advertisement and visibility of websites and applications currently under investigation. These platforms, according to the agency, were promoted as skill-based gaming services but were in fact involved in unlawful betting activities.

Widening scope of investigation

The inquiry has expanded significantly over recent weeks. The ED has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 individuals, including film and television personalities. Among those named are actors Prakash Raj, Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, Nidhhi Agerwal, Pranitha Subhash, and Manchu Lakshmi. These individuals are alleged to have endorsed betting platforms that are now under investigation.

One of the principal cases is linked to the Mahadev Betting App, which the ED claims was used to launder proceeds estimated at over ₹6,000 crore. The agency has further alleged that former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel received ₹500 crore from the app’s promoters, an allegation he has denied and which remains unproven in court.

Another ongoing case involves the Fairplay IPL app, which is accused of streaming Indian Premier League matches without authorisation and offering illegal betting services. The ED states that this activity led to substantial financial losses for Viacom18, the official broadcaster of the tournament. Arrests have been made, assets worth hundreds of crores have been provisionally attached, and several chargesheets have been filed in connection with the matter.

Focus on digital platforms and advertising

As part of its inquiry, the ED is scrutinising the role of digital platforms in disseminating content related to betting. The agency contends that Google and Meta provided advertising infrastructure that enabled the wide-scale promotion of betting applications, despite such content being in violation of Indian gambling and advertising laws.

Other regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Advertising Standards Council of India, and the Central Consumer Protection Authority, have also raised concerns in recent months about the online promotion of betting platforms through influencers and social media.

Officials from Google and Meta are expected to appear before the ED on 21 July to provide explanations on their ad policies, content moderation, and any due diligence measures taken with respect to such promotions.

Neither company has commented publicly on the summons as of yet.