Betting Case: Why ED Took Action Against Yuvraj Singh and Several Celebrities ?

In a major case related to illegal online betting and money laundering, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken strict action and seized assets belonging to former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh and several other well-known personalities. This action has been taken in connection with the promotion of the banned online betting app 1xBet and the alleged money laundering network linked to it.
According to sources, the ED initiated the action by issuing provisional attachment orders under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). In the latest round, assets worth ₹7.93 crore have been attached. With this, the total value of assets seized in the case has reached ₹19.07 crore.

Allegations against Yuvraj Singh

The most prominent name in the case is Yuvraj Singh, whose assets worth ₹2.5 crore have been attached by the ED. The agency alleges that Yuvraj Singh promoted the banned betting platform 1xBet and received promotional fees through money laundering channels. The ED had earlier questioned him in connection with the case.

Assets of other celebrities also seized

Apart from Yuvraj Singh, the ED has also attached properties belonging to several other celebrities. These include assets worth ₹2.02 crore registered in the name of actress Urvashi Rautela’s mother.
Other attached properties include:
Sonu Sood: ₹1 crore
Neha Sharma: ₹1.26 crore
Robin Uthappa: ₹8.26 lakh
Mimi Chakraborty (former TMC MP): ₹59 lakh
Ankush Hazra (Bengali actor): ₹47.20 lakh

According to the ED, all these celebrities promoted the 1xBet app and received promotional payments through illegal means.
Earlier, in the same case, the ED had attached assets worth ₹4.55 crore belonging to Shikhar Dhawan and ₹6.64 crore belonging to Suresh Raina.

What is 1xBet and why is it controversial?

1xBet is a Cyprus-based online betting company founded in 2007. The company offers betting services on sports events across the world and claims to be an internationally recognised bookmaker. However, the platform is completely banned in India.
Government agencies allege that the app was involved in large-scale fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering, which led to a ban on 1xBet and several other online betting platforms in India.

Government’s stand on online betting

The Government of India has stated that online betting apps cause serious financial and psychological harm to people. According to information shared in Parliament, nearly 45 crore people have been affected by such platforms, resulting in losses of more than ₹20,000 crore. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also classified excessive gaming as a gaming disorder.