Google, Meta under ED scanner for promoting illegal betting apps

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued notices to Google and Meta, summoning representatives of the tech giants for questioning on July 21 in connection with a growing investigation into illegal online betting apps.

The central agency alleges that both companies facilitated the promotion of betting platforms now under probe for serious financial crimes, including money laundering and hawala operations.

According to ED officials, Google and Meta allowed ads and provided visibility to websites linked to these illegal betting applications, helping them reach a wider audience. “These platforms were able to promote their services prominently on digital channels due to the ad infrastructure provided by these companies,” an ED source said.

This development marks a significant step in the agency’s expanding crackdown on illegal betting operations across India. The ED has been investigating a network of apps that, while presented as skill-based games, are allegedly involved in unlawful gambling and financial fraud.

Just last week, the ED registered a case against 29 individuals—including actors, television personalities, and influencers—for endorsing these platforms. Celebrities named in the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) include Prakash Raj, Rana Daggubati, and Vijay Deverakonda. They are accused of accepting large sums to promote betting apps.

Among the major cases is the Mahadev betting app scam, which ED estimates to be worth over Rs 6,000 crore. The investigation also includes allegations of political kickbacks. Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has been accused of receiving more than Rs 500 crore from the app’s promoters.

Another prominent case involves the Fairplay IPL betting app, which reportedly streamed matches without authorisation and enabled illegal betting. This caused significant revenue losses to official IPL broadcaster Viacom18. The ED has already attached assets worth hundreds of crores and filed chargesheets in the matter.

Google and Meta have not yet issued official responses to the ED summons.

The ED’s move underscores increasing scrutiny of how digital platforms are being used to amplify potentially unlawful businesses, especially in the booming yet loosely regulated online gaming and gambling space.