– IPL Betting Trap: Youth at Risk!
– Betting Mafia Exposed: Lawmakers Demand Action!
– Sprouts News Investigation: The Big Bookie Bust!
• Young Lives Ruined by IPL Betting
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Network
The online cricket betting frenzy surrounding IPL 2025 has reached alarming levels in the city, putting young lives at risk. Many youngsters are falling into the trap of mobile apps, websites, fake user IDs, and digital transactions, leading to financial ruin. Caught in the illusion of becoming rich overnight, these youths end up burdened with debt, shame, and psychological distress—sometimes to the extent of taking their own lives.
The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team has uncovered how betting is rampant through mobile apps like “All Panel,” “Dev Book,” and “NR Book.” Users are given a unique betting ID, enabling them to wager on every ball of the match. These platforms, controlled by organized betting syndicates, handle daily transactions worth crores of rupees.
The Trap of Apps, Websites, and Fake IDs
– Many young gamblers take loans to continue betting, eventually falling into deep depression and, in extreme cases, choosing suicide.
– Betting networks operate through middlemen, known as “punters,” who ensure smooth operations while avoiding law enforcement scrutiny.
– With all transactions now digital, tracking and proving the crime has become increasingly difficult for the police.
The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team has found that Ulhasnagar is witnessing a surge in online betting, which is not just fueling crime but also contributing to the moral and social decline of the youth. Experts warn that if strict action is not taken immediately, the city could face a major crisis in the future. While the police have begun cracking down on betting operations, these efforts remain insufficient. This is not just about gambling—it’s about saving an entire generation from a dark future.
• Issue Raised in the Legislative Assembly
The betting menace has now reached the state legislature. Opposition leaders have strongly condemned the lax attitude of the police and administration during the IPL season. Questions are being raised about whether the widespread betting operations in Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, Badlapur, and Kalyan are flourishing under political protection.
• Notorious Bookies Exposed
The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team has identified several major bookies involved in IPL betting, including:
– Bunty Yavatmal, Baba Hyderabad, Raju Akola, Avi, UV Ambernath, Raj Sagar, Chhotu Hitesh, Khan, Viju Shetty, Hero Kailash, Suresh Lottery Ram, Kalu Bajaj, Rahul Bajaj, Chiranjeev Ahuja, Rohit Punjabi, Pankaj Bhatia, Kanchan Duseja, Sonu Shaukeen, Pooja Ahuja, Sunil Dhanrajani, Viru Satya, Sonu C., Girish Jeswani, Chandwani, Kishu Khan, Ajay Batata, Heera Talreja, Kailash Ramani, Amit Dombivli, Mukesh Chawla, and several others.
These bookies are expected to run their operations for two months, handling transactions worth crores of rupees.
• Crackdown on IPL Betting
In December 2023, during the India vs. South Africa match, the Dhule Crime Branch raided Hotel Amit Plaza (Room No. 112) and confiscated mobile phones running the “All Panel” app. Investigations revealed that the accused, Nilesh Rao, was using fake IDs provided by Ulhasnagar-based Naresh Rohra for betting.
Following this, multiple raids were conducted in Ulhasnagar, and cases were registered against 12 individuals, including Naresh Rohra, Vicky NR, Rahul Bulani, Manish Gidwani, Hitesh Fake, and Rahul NR. Reports indicate that fraudulent websites like “Dev Book” and “NR Book” were being used to lure unsuspecting bettors.
The rising IPL betting racket is a serious threat, and unless swift action is taken, more young lives will continue to be destroyed.
• Rise in Gambling Addiction and Criminal Activities
Online betting has sparked major controversies worldwide, with critics arguing that it fuels gambling addiction, financial ruin, and even criminal activities. Many young people, lured by the promise of quick money, end up losing their savings, taking loans, or getting trapped in debt cycles. The rise of illegal betting platforms, often operated by unregulated or offshore companies, has further complicated the issue. These platforms use fake user IDs, cryptocurrency transactions, and hidden networks to evade law enforcement, making it difficult to track or shut them down. Additionally, reports of match-fixing and insider betting have raised concerns about the integrity of sports events, particularly in cricket and football.
Also Read: Fraudsters Exploit Baba Ramdev’s Name: Patients being Cheated.
• Lack of Regulations and Rising Social Concerns
Another major controversy revolves around the lack of strict regulations and government oversight. While some countries have legalized online betting under strict guidelines, many regions struggle to control its rapid expansion. Law enforcement agencies face challenges in cracking down on illegal betting networks due to their digital nature and international operations. Furthermore, cases of minors gaining access to betting platforms highlight the risks of inadequate age verification systems. Critics argue that aggressive advertising by betting companies, often featuring celebrities and sports personalities, normalizes gambling and encourages impulsive betting behavior. The growing influence of online betting has led to debates on whether governments should impose stricter bans or regulate the industry to protect vulnerable individuals.