High-Stakes Betting Syndicate Exposed in Major Rajasthan Crackdown
India’s underground betting industry is rapidly spiraling into a full-blown crisis, far beyond the era of backroom bookies and shady apps. Now a high-stakes operation fueled by unchecked advertising, anonymous payment channels, and digital loopholes, it has forced the government to stop ignoring the issue and take serious action.
In a sweeping operation that’s sent shockwaves through India’s digital gambling underworld, Rajasthan police have exposed a sprawling online betting syndicate worth a staggering ₹150 crore. The syndicate, allegedly operating over 30 illegal websites, was orchestrating high-stakes gambling across multiple states, luring thousands of users with promises of fast money, easy wins, and the irresistible appeal of no deposit bonus codes. These promotions, commonly seen in legitimate online gambling platforms, were reportedly used here as bait to hook unsuspecting users into a web of illicit betting activities.
The bust, which led to the arrest of three individuals so far, is part of a growing national crackdown on unauthorized gambling operations. Authorities believe the network was deeply entrenched, with digital infrastructure designed to dodge detection while funneling crores in illegal wagers.
The Operation
The betting ring that was uncovered operated through a sophisticated, tech-driven network spanning multiple states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Leading the operation was a software engineer who, with a team of collaborators, created more than 30 illegal websites modeled after the infamous Mahadev Satta platform. These sites facilitated unlawful wagering on a variety of games, ranging from major cricket events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) to digital matka and online casino games.
This syndicate relied on a complex, multi-tiered structure involving tens of thousands of agents and users, over 60,000 in total, who coordinated betting activities across the network. Employing advanced encryption methods, false identities, and decentralized communication tools, the group effectively hid its operations and resisted detection by authorities.
Financial dealings were conducted through a combination of digital payment systems, e-wallets, and the hawala network, an informal and unregulated money transfer system. This enabled the syndicate to discreetly move vast amounts of money. The illicit earnings were subsequently laundered through investments in real estate and other assets across various cities, masking the illicit origins of the funds.
The Arrests
Rajasthan Police acted swiftly after receiving credible intelligence about a large-scale gambling operation, tracking down three suspects: Nitin Paliwal from Alwar, and Mahesh Sharma and Piyush Sharma from Mathura. The investigation gained momentum when Paliwal was intercepted while returning from Agra. Digital evidence recovered from his devices provided crucial leads that helped dismantle the wider network.
Following the arrests, police seized key evidence, including multiple mobile phones, laptops, bank cards from various financial institutions, and a luxury vehicle. These findings revealed the extensive nature of the operation and underscored how digital infrastructure is increasingly exploited for organized gambling and large-scale financial fraud in India.
All three suspects are currently in police custody for four days as the investigation expands. Authorities believe the syndicate may be linked to other illegal betting networks across the country. Officials are also considering pursuing charges under organized crime laws, which could lead to the seizure of assets connected to the illicit activities. Further developments and arrests are expected as the probe continues.
Looming Crisis
The Rajasthan syndicate is just one illustration of how digital crime networks are rapidly expanding, often operating in plain sight, and underscores a far deeper, systemic crisis within India’s digital ecosystem.
Since 2022, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued directives to block more than 1,400 unauthorized gambling websites, many of which are based offshore. These platforms exploit loopholes in India’s regulatory framework for digital payments and advertising, luring users with the allure of quick financial gains.
No End in Sight
Despite sweeping government crackdowns, the fight against illegal online gambling in India is far from over. In response to the growing threat, the government has implemented stricter financial oversight, including a 30% tax on net winnings from online gaming and a 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on digital gaming platforms. The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) has also been granted authority to act against unregistered offshore operators.
In addition, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, now prescribes jail terms of up to seven years for unauthorized gambling activities. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has also taken steps to curb misleading advertising by requiring all gaming-related promotions to carry clear disclaimers highlighting the financial risks involved.
Yet, illicit operators remain highly adaptive—using anonymous payment methods, influencer-driven promotions, encrypted communication tools, and mirror websites to stay ahead of enforcement. Even as the DGGI and MIB intensify efforts to crack down on non-compliant platforms and deceptive ads, popular sites like Parimatch and 1xBet continue to attract billions of visits.
Ultimately, as long as consumer demand persists and digital loopholes remain unresolved, India’s battle against illegal online gambling will continue to be a long and complex struggle.
