The Dark Reality of Online Betting Apps
• Billion-Dollar Scam: Online Gaming Apps Destroying Lives
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Online gaming applications, operating as illegal betting platforms, are running unchecked in India. These apps function 24/7, luring users with promises of big wins but ultimately blocking accounts of regular winners. Mumbai-based Ajay, a victim of this massive fraud, has lost ₹13.60 crore and has been fighting for justice for over nine months. Despite filing a police FIR, authorities have been slow to act, allegedly citing “manpower issues.”
• Massive Money Laundering and Bank Involvement
Ajay claims that these apps are not just engaging in fraud but are part of a larger money laundering operation. Banks are allegedly involved, enabling multiple gaming accounts using rented bank accounts. Cybercrime authorities have blocked several accounts, but the fraudsters easily open new ones with different banks. Despite online gambling and casino operations being illegal in India, these apps continue to function without any action being taken against them.
• How the Scam Works:
1. Gaming accounts are opened using mobile numbers.
2. Users deposit money into different bank accounts provided on WhatsApp.
3. Banks validate these accounts despite heavy transactions.
4. Players addicted to betting are systematically cheated.
5. If someone wins regularly, their account is blocked, and withdrawals are denied.
6. The company has no physical office in India, operating solely via WhatsApp and calls.
7. The apps are not available on the Play Store, making them harder to track.
• Shocking List of Fraudulent Betting Apps
Ajay has provided names of several gaming platforms that allegedly operate illegally in India:
– Parimatch.com
– Parimatch.in
– Cricadda.com
– 96in.com
– Subhlabh365.com
– Future9.club
These apps reportedly have no valid licenses, no registered offices in India, and are allegedly involved in financial crimes, including tax evasion and money laundering. Authorities have been alerted, but the betting operations remain active.
Also Read: Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate Gets Court Relief in 30-Year Fraud Case.
• Authorities Ignoring the Crisis?
Ajay has relentlessly approached top officials, including DCP Preventive Detection Mr. Dutta Nalawade and BKC Cyber Cell’s Mr. Dutta Chavan, but was allegedly told, “It’s your fault, get a court order under Section 156(3).” Only after the intervention of Dilip Mama Lande did the police register an FIR. However, even after nine months, no chargesheet has been filed, and the fraudulent companies continue to function.
• Call for Government Action
With thousands of victims, many on the brink of financial ruin and suicide, urgent action is needed. The rise of Dream11 and its aggressive marketing has misled people into believing all gaming apps are legitimate, drawing them into fraud. Ajay has reached out to the PMO, HMO, CMO, and DGP, but the silence from the authorities raises serious concerns.
Sprouts News urges the government to act immediately before more innocent people fall prey to this billion-dollar online betting scam.