Shikhar Dhawan Summoned by ED in 1xBet Illegal Betting App Money Laundering Case

Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday in connection with the 1xBet illegal betting app money laundering case. The agency will record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Dhawan, 39, is understood to have been linked to the betting platform through endorsements.

According to sources, the ED wants to determine the exact nature of his association with 1xBet, an online betting app that has faced multiple legal actions in India. The probe is part of a larger crackdown against illegal betting platforms operating in the country.

Dhawan Under ED Scanner

The Enforcement Directorate has intensified its investigation into illegal betting networks that allegedly duped lakhs of investors. These apps are accused of evading massive tax revenues and generating black money. Officials said Dhawan’s questioning will help them understand promotional and financial links between celebrities and the app.

Suresh Raina Also Questioned in 1xBet Case

This is not the first time a high-profile cricketer has been summoned. Last month, Suresh Raina was questioned by the ED for over eight hours in the same case. His statement was also recorded under the PMLA.

Raina, who played 18 Tests, 226 ODIs, and 78 T20Is for India, was reportedly linked to the app through endorsements. The federal agency suspects celebrity promotions played a role in expanding the app’s reach across India.

ED Questions Google and Meta

The probe has widened beyond cricketers. The ED has also summoned representatives of Google and Meta for questioning. Officials are examining how these global platforms allegedly carried advertisements for betting apps like 1xBet and Parimatch.

Earlier this week, the ED carried out multi-state searches as part of its probe into Parimatch. Both apps are accused of laundering money and evading taxes while attracting millions of Indian users.

Scale of Illegal Betting in India

According to market analysis firms, nearly 22 crore Indians have used illegal betting apps, with about 11 crore being regular users. The market is valued at over USD 100 billion and is expanding at nearly 30 percent every year, experts claim.

Officials say the widespread use of these apps poses financial risks, tax losses, and a major threat of money laundering. The government has also raised concerns about illegal foreign-based apps bypassing Indian law.

Government Ban on Real-Money Online Gaming

In response to the growing menace, the Union government recently passed legislation banning real-money online gaming. The aim is to tighten compliance, reduce tax evasion, and protect Indian consumers from fraud.

The ED continues to probe several celebrities, advertising agencies, and technology platforms that may have facilitated the expansion of illegal betting apps. Dhawan’s statement is expected to provide key details in the money laundering investigation.

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