INDIAN GAMING
L&T draws criticism for promoting illegal betting apps on Hyderabad metro properties
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is advertising mobile apps promoting illegal online betting, including rummy and card games, across Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) properties. Advertisements have surfaced on Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) trains, pillars, and other HMRL-owned properties, prompting reactions from authorities and activists. As reported by Deccan Chronicle, the
GHMC’s Directorate of Enforcement Vigilance & Disaster Management (EV&DM) has attempted to intervene, urging HMR authorities to remove these advertisements. The Central Consumer Protection Authority has issued an advisory, highlighting the prohibition of promoting illegal activities
such as betting and gambling, which are strictly prohibited under the Public Gambling Act, 1867. This advisory, issued under the Consumer
Protection Act, aims to limit the expansion of advertisements endorsing illegal offshore gambling platforms, often endorsed by prominent figures in Indian entertainment and sports industries. Despite these warnings, advertisements
promoting betting mobile apps, including slogans like ‘bet and win’, ‘play poker, teen patti and win cash,’ continue to appear on HMRL properties, drawing criticism from activists.
Harish Daga, an activist from the city, lamented, “The Hyderabad Metro Rail is utilized by many, especially students and youngsters. It is unfortunate that illegal betting apps are being promoted for the sake of profit.” When questioned, HMRL officials
attributed the advertisement activity to Larsen & Toubro. However, representatives from Larsen & Toubro responsible for media communication requested time to respond, indicating they would consult with higher authorities before providing a statement.
ED investigates German national’s role in illegal online betting platform
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated an investigation into the involvement of a German national in the development and programming of the technical framework of Mahadev Online Book (MOB), an illegal online betting and gaming platform. According to sources familiar with the probe, the German individual is believed to be a key person behind this operation, valued at over $1 billion, reported Hindustan Times. It has also been revealed that this individual has been involved in organising similar online betting and gaming platforms in Mexico and various South American countries. The ED alleges that the MOB app serves as an umbrella syndicate facilitating illegal betting websites to register new users, create user IDs, and launder money through a complex network of benami bank accounts. To date, the agency has arrested 11 individuals and named 19 in two preliminary charge sheets. The agency is also looking into the
connection of the unnamed German national with the proceeds of crime generated by MOB and its 2000 franchisees. Under MOB’s franchise model, the Dubai headquarters retains 70% of the profits, while the remaining 30% goes to the franchise holders. Sources close to the investigation reveal that MOB branches were allegedly making monthly profits of Rs.30-40 lakh each until the recent
crackdown by the ED and police across three Indian states. ED’s recent investigations have also
uncovered alleged hawala transactions involving a Dubai based promoter of Mahadev Betting App. Searches conducted across 17 locations in India, including Kolkata and Pune, allegedly belonging to this individual, led to frozen security holdings worth Rs.580.7 crore. This individual is also accused of owning and operating the illegal betting website Skyexchange and laundering proceeds of crime through multiple companies operating in India and abroad. According to ED sources, another individual
recently arrested in the probe allegedly ran firms used to launder proceeds of crime under the guise of share investments. This individual’s alleged stake in a Bangladeshi gaming site and a Kathmandu casino is under ED’s scrutiny. Another accused allegedly had a stake in a MOB subsidiary along with others. This individual was also allegedly part of the “cash handling WhatsApp Group” of MOB’s Pune franchise, from where cash worth Rs.1 crore was seized in a recent search. The Pune branch allegedly handled betting cash of Rs.50 crore a month. As part of its inter-state investigation, the ED
has seized/frozen movable assets worth Rs.1,764.5 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Founded by industry veterans, G2G News is an independent news portal covering all developments relating to online gaming,
poker, gambling, casino, cricket betting and esports in India and the Indian subcontinent.
www.g2g.news APRIL 2024 19
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