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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday began questioning Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan in connection with its ongoing money laundering probe linked to the alleged illegal betting platform 1xBet.
Dhawan appeared at the ED headquarters in Delhi around 11 am to record his statement, where investigators sought details of his alleged links to the platform through promotions and endorsements, ANI reported.
Wider probe into celebrity endorsements
According to ANI report, Dhawan’s questioning is part of a broader investigation into several celebrities and influencers suspected of promoting betting platforms that are allegedly involved in tax evasion and investor fraud. Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has already been questioned, while other prominent figures--including actors and sports personalities--are also under the scanner.
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The case revolves around 1xBet, a platform accused of running illegal betting operations in India, laundering money, evading taxes, and manipulating algorithms to lure users. The investigating agency is examining whether celebrities endorsing these apps, including Dhawan and Raina, were aware of the alleged unlawful activities and is scrutinising their financial transactions.
This is not the first such probe. Last month, the agency carried out multi-state searches linked to another online betting app, Parimatch. Officials say multiple cases of this nature are being pursued, with several platforms accused of duping users of crores of rupees.
Industry estimates suggest that nearly 22 crore Indians use online betting applications, with around 11 crore being frequent users. Experts value India’s online betting market at over $100 billion, growing at an annual rate of nearly 30 per cent.
The central government has also taken steps to curb the surge of such platforms, informing Parliament that between 2022 and June 2025, it issued 1,524 directives to block online betting and gambling apps.
(With inputs from ANI)
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