Local outlet NDTV reported that the operation is estimated to be worth ₹150 crore (~$18 million), spanning multiple states, cities, platforms, and financial networks.

A Vast Operation Spanning Multiple States in India

The gambling syndicate operated more than 30 illicit betting platforms. The local authorities arrested three suspects — Nitin Paliwal, Mahesh Sharma, and Piyush Sharma — who are believed to be developers and managers of the platforms.

The platforms were created to resemble the popular Mahadev Satta app, offering wagers on cricket matches, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), as well as online casino games and regional betting formats, such as matka.

The network established by the criminal syndicate spread across the country through the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and several others.

Police Raid Brings Results

The authorities became aware of the syndicate thanks to a tip-off, and after investigating the matter, they managed to trace the financial trail to properties in multiple cities. This highlighted the deep-rooted financial infrastructure that the illegal online betting ring managed to develop before the police became aware of it.

Commenting on the matter, Alwar Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Nain said that the suspects created fake betting apps to lure players in. They then used digital channels and hawala networks to distribute the earnings. 

During the raid, members of the police force seized six Android mobile phones, two laptops, a hard drive, and an SUV containing 15 ATM cards. The police also believe that the operation features more than 60,000 agents and players from across the country.

Software Engineer Replicated Legitimate Platforms

The syndicate primarily relied on the involvement of a software engineer, whose technical expertise enabled the operation, including allowing the online betting ring to replicate legitimate betting platforms and stay under the authorities’ radar.

The software expert created mirrored websites that mimicked the UI of licensed apps, including real-time odds and payment gateways, thus creating an illusion of authenticity. The effect was convincing enough to attract both new bettors and experts with years of experience in the industry.

The three suspects were tracked down in Alwar and Mathura. The police made a breakthrough when Paliwal was intercepted as he was returning from Agra. 

The authorities managed to confiscate his devices and search them for valuable information that allowed them to map out the rest of the network, grasp the full scale of the operation, and identify the ringleaders.

The arrested individuals remain in custody as the investigation continues. The results of the investigation so far suggest that the operation had links to more cities and other betting networks.

Elsewhere in India, police in Udupi have arrested five people in a raid relating to illegal cockfighting. Five roosters were also confiscated, and 1,500 rupees of betting money was seized. Cockfighting was banned in the country in 1960.

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The complainant is Melbourne resident George Burns, 23. Burns went on a gambling spree in 2022, at the age of 21, using two gambling platforms known as BetNation and BetDeluxe.

Burns alleges that he deposited AU$10,000, AU$25,000, and AU$35,000 within eight minutes. 

Later that same day, in his next gambling session, he made several deposits in 17 minutes totaling AUD$120,000.

Not Amused: Hush Money Declined

Burns’ complaint focuses on the fact that neither of the two companies nor any of their employees reached out in an attempt to prevent his behavior. 

According to the regulations of the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC), bookmakers are obliged to “identify and respond to red flag behaviors.” He alleges that no one at the two companies conducted source-of-funds checks.  

The two firms were acquired by Amused Group in March 2023, only a few months after Burns’ gambling spree.

Burns then filed his complaint with NTRWC, which is in charge of regulating most online gambling firms in Australia. The complaint was received in mid-March 2024, and shortly thereafter, he was contacted by a representative of Amused Group via WhatsApp messages. 

Burns told The Guardian that the representative said: “Are you free for a brief call now? I wanted to discuss a settlement for your account.”

After accepting the call, he was offered AUD$25,000, and in return, asked to withdraw the complaint by the end of the day. Burns was also asked to agree to confidentiality provisions and indemnify them, including against negative media coverage.

Burns decided to reject this offer, even though he acknowledged that the offered sum would help him. However, he argued that accepting the hush money would not help any other person who had suffered in a similar way to him.

A spokesperson for Amused Group refused to comment on the allegations or the alleged offer made to Burns, citing confidentiality and privacy considerations. They stated that the group takes all customer complaints seriously and handles matters in accordance with the law.

Gambling Company’s Actions Face Heavy Criticism

Since the allegations surfaced, many in the Australian gambling industry shared their thoughts on the matter. The country’s gambling problem has been rapidly growing, and many have started referring to it as the “black hole.” 

“In my view, [they] should be used in limited circumstances and should not prevent a complaint to a regulator,” said the Consumer Action Law Center’s CEO, Stephanie Tonkin. 

Gambling researcher Lauren Levin also shared her thoughts, saying that in the majority of cases, an offer of quick cash can be overwhelming if the financial circumstances are dire.

Martin Thomas of the Alliance for Gambling Reform also commented, saying that this behavior makes a mockery of the complaints system if this is standard practice. He added that the government needs to do more to protect Australians.

Recently, Australia’s Northern Territory has unveiled plans to double the annual wagering tax cap. The plan, set to take effect on July 1, is expected to generate an additional AU$13.1 million in yearly revenue. 

The post Amused Group Accused of Offering Hush Money to Silence Gambling Complaint appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The most significant action against gamblers in the country took place recently in Lahore, when the local police department raided an illegal horse cart race and associated gambling activity near Babu Sabu.

Police Operation Results in Over 1,600 Arrests

Officials say that the Shahdara police received a tip about large-scale betting during the horse cart race, prompting a rapid operation to apprehend those involved. The action resulted in the arrest of 1,619 suspects and has led to 413 cases being brought against them so far this year.

Local reports said that the raiding team encountered strong resistance from the gamblers, who beat police officers with sticks. One named individual, Tauqeer Bhatti, has had a case opened against him for fighting the police.

However, the raid also resulted in the arrest of Bala Aslam, who authorities believe to be the ring leader of this and other organized gambling in the country. Hundreds have reportedly attended the event to watch a horse race, making this one of the largest gambling crackdowns in the region.

In addition to the arrests, Pakistan’s police also confiscated the horses, as well as 8.41 million rupees ($29,901). 

Police in Pakistan Target Illegal Online Gambling

Capital City Police Officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana asserted that the noose is tightening around those involved in online gambling. He is pushing for punishments against social media account operators who promote online gambling, as well as mobile gambling apps. 

The police are utilizing modern IT techniques to counter these activities. Still, according to Police Officer Kamyana, the effectiveness of the operation will depend on collaboration with the Public Prosecution Department to ensure that cases are processed and prosecuted accordingly. 

He believes that these efforts are necessary to remove the harmful social practice of gambling from society. 

The Prohibition of Gambling in Pakistan

All forms of gambling are illegal in Pakistan. Two main laws prohibit gambling in Pakistan. The first is the Public Gambling Act of 1867, and the subsequent Prevention of Gambling Houses Act of 1977. 

Typical fines against those caught engaging in gambling can go up to 1,000 rupees, a year in prison, or both. But, there is also a larger fine of 5,000 for those who use a typical gaming house, which covers dice, cards, money, counters, and the like. 

Pakistan does make an exception for tourists, however, who are allowed to gamble legally in the country.

The post Pakistan Law Enforcement Arrests Over 1,600 For Illegal Gambling appeared first on CasinoBeats.

According to local reports, the relief comes in response to the platform’s legal challenges. 

Initially, the Court issued a directive ordering the petitioner to halt operations of its platform in Chhattisgarh. The platform was geo-blocked throughout the state but could continue functioning in other parts of the country until its next hearing.

Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad presided over the case, noting that the app, which offers Rummy, qualifies as a skill-based gaming platform. As such, it is allowed to continue operations under the IT Act.

The Court also questioned procedural fairness after the app was blocked nationwide with no prior notice or an opportunity for the petitioner to be heard. 

SportsBaazi Gameplay Involves Strategy and Skill

After researching the app, the Court concluded that its gameplay involves strategy, mutation, and combination elements. This allowed it to qualify as a game of skill, rather than a simple game of chance. 

The ruling also pointed out that betting and gambling fall under List-2 (State List), while the IT Act is responsible for skill-based games, which fall under List-1 (Union List). 

The distinction is important enough to prevent state authorities from having jurisdiction to impose restrictions on Sportsbaazi and similar platforms.

The company’s petition contests a directive issued by the Inspector General of Police of Chhattisgarh on May 5 this year. 

The directive instructed local internet providers and telecoms to restrict access to SportsBaazi and other specific platforms. It cited provisions under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act and the laws that govern regional gambling.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi represented the company and argued that it operates legally and in full compliance, given its status as a skill-based fantasy gaming platform. 

The defence further argued that the action taken against the platform was arbitrary and lacked due process. It also went beyond the state’s territorial jurisdiction, severely disrupting its business operations.

The status of skill-based games is also currently questioned in India, as the government argues that even skill-based games could be considered games of chance if betting is involved.

While the relief represents a legal victory for the platform, the ongoing government discussion reflects broader issues surrounding the legality and regulation of skill-based platforms nationwide. 

The post Chhattisgarh High Court Grants Interim Relief to SportsBaazi Operator appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The filing was in connection with the nomination of candidates for election to PENN’s Board of Directors.

HG Vora previously recommended three candidates to strengthen the Board. The company believes that the existing members are responsible for its poor performance since 2021.

PENN Entertainment responded to HG Vora’s initiative by attempting to block the nominations and reducing the number of available board seats from 3 to 2, effectively accepting Johnny Hartnett and Carlos Ruisanchez. 

Both are industry veterans and experienced executives, but HG Vora’s third candidate, PENN’s former CFO and M&A expert William Clifford, was rejected despite having a proven track record.

HG Vora called this act “illegal” and “undemocratic,” which led it to address PENN’s shareholders, blaming the leadership of President and CEO, Jay Snowden, and Board Chair, David Handler. It stressed that PENN pursued a misguided transformation from a best-in-class regional casino operator to a sports, media, and technology conglomerate under their leadership.

HG Vora points to several data points, including an 80% share price decline in the past four years, suggesting that the decision to transform the company in this way was a failed strategy that has caused PENN to lose $11 billion in value since 2021.

PENN Responds to HG Vora With Shareholder Letter

PENN responded to the HG Vora letter by addressing the shareholders in its own letter.

The company suggested that the industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The Board of Directors and management team have transformed the business, building a digital presence and allowing it to engage with younger audiences outside of its traditional channels and demographics. 

It also noted that it has taken, and continues to take, actions to drive growth and enhance profitability. It acknowledged the addition of two of HG Vora’s nominees for the June election after two incumbent directors stepped down, while another one, Ron Naples, has recently decided to retire.

PENN further emphasised its commitment to an omnichannel growth strategy, integrating digital platforms with its retail casino operations.

It highlighted a 10% YoY increase in PENN Play loyalty members, reaching over 32 million. It also noted that the average customer age has gone from 53 to 44 between 2019 and 2025. 

Further, the company saw a 34% increase in digital customers within 50 miles of a PENN property, suggesting successful cross-channel engagement.

As for its engagement with HG Vora, PENN said that there have been over 25 meetings or calls since 2023. However, it also noted that it declined to nominate HG Vora’s third candidate due to concerns regarding his suitability and past opposition to key initiatives during his previous time with the company.

The post HG Vora and PENN Entertainment Clash Over Board of Directors appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The HKJC wishes to expand beyond its current role of racing and betting. According to an announcement, the company intends to become a global sports entertainment hub.

HKJC Harbors Lofty Global Ambitions

The company will continue to cover racing but add equestrian sports, music, and lifestyle content. This will allow it to diversify its revenue streams and improve its position among other sports organizations.

XIX Entertainment, a new strategic partner, will be central to the initiative. The collaboration aims to provide content for younger audiences on an international level.

Hong Kong is also interested in introducing basketball betting, which has attracted attention from the growing number of tourists. The HKJC’s racecourses are still performing exceptionally well, attracting over 143,000 international visitors in the current season.

In its announcement, the HKJC noted that this encouraging tourist attendance owes a great deal to the support for racing tourism in the recent Hong Kong CE Policy Address, and to the efforts of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Tourism Board in promoting Hong Kong horse racing globally.

Preparing for the Year of the Horse

The HKJC’s CEO, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, was excited to announce new plans that will allow the Club to contribute even more to Hong Kong. He noted that the Club’s intention is to enter entertainment, lifestyle, and social content in 2026.

Noting that 2026 is the year of the horse, Engelbrecht-Bresges believes that the coincidence creates a symbolic moment for the company, which has experienced growth to date in large part because of horse racing. 

Simon Fuller, the Founder of XIX, also commented that collaborating with Hong Kong and the Jockey Club is an exciting move to create something aspirational and positive. 

“I believe there is an important opportunity to bring inspiring and joyful entertainment to Hong Kong and Horse Racing. This is an incredible city full of potential with so many stunning iconic locations to share with the world,” he added.

Fuller also noted that his global pop group, Now United, is also in Hong Kong, and teased that this represents the first of many announcements. Now United is a multi-cultural global pop group featuring young dance and musical talent from around the world. With its focus now on Hong Kong, the group is searching for its next member. 

The post HKJC Unveils Global Sports Entertainment Expansion Plan appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The ban was already in place during the Vesak Festival’s regular two days, but the Cabinet opted to prolong it to three days. 

Industry stakeholders criticized the decision, saying it will seriously impact the country’s tourism sector and result in a loss of up to Rs. 3 billion to the state coffers.

Liquor, Casinos, and Clubs Ordered Shut in Sri Lanka from 12–14 May

The Cabinet’s decision follows a special circular issued by the Home Affairs Division of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government on 5 May. The Division instructed the Ministry of Finance to take steps to ban the sale of liquor and access to casinos, betting centers, and nightclubs on 12, 13, and 14 May.

The ban now exceeds the duration of the Vesak Festival 2025. Banning access to the mentioned institutions on Vesak Full Moon Poya Day and the Day Following the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day has been a regular practice in Sri Lanka for many years. 

Entities such as casinos, meat stalls, and nightclubs depend on foreign tourists and tend to see increased traffic after the holiday.

A three-day ban is expected to seriously disrupt their operations. Furthermore, the government failed to provide a reason for the extended ban. 

Restaurateurs and hoteliers also expressed concern regarding the impact of the three-day ban on the country’s tourism, expecting to see a loss of foreign currency as a result. With the prolonged shuttering of entertainment venues, stakeholders believe tourists will be less inclined to visit and spend money in the country. 

Excise Department Confirms It Was Not Consulted

Sources from the Department of Excise noted that the state coffers would lose Rs. 800 million to Rs. 1 billion per day.

An official from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority said that the Excise Department was made aware of the industry’s concerns. However, the Excise Department said that the Cabinet had already decided without consulting it.

In previous years, foreign tourists were allowed to purchase alcohol within hotel premises during holidays, which helped the country’s economy maintain balance during the holiday. This year’s sudden policy shift will leave hotel operators unable to address their guests’ desires, leading to calls for a more coordinated and pragmatic approach.

So far, the authorities have not reversed their decision or amended it to make an exception for foreigners.

Last month, the Sri Lanka Cabinet approved the publication of the Gaming Sports Regularization Act in the Government Gazette. 

This saw the creation of a Gambling Regulatory Authority, which is responsible for overseeing both online gambling and floating, offshore, and land-based casinos. 

The post Sri Lanka Extends Vesak Ban on Liquor and Casinos to Three Days appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The ancient “game of kings” has been under scrutiny as the Taliban authorities have concerns that it is a source of gambling, which is illegal under the government’s morality law, as reported by The Straits Times.

Taliban Deems Chess Incompatible With Shariah Principles

Since coming to power in 2021, the acting government has imposed regulations that reflect its vision of Islamic law. Sports directorate spokesman Atal Mashwani said, “Chess in syariah (Islamic law) is considered a means of gambling.”

He added that religious considerations surround the sport of chess, and until they are addressed, the game will remain suspended in the country.

Chess journalist Ian Rogers quoted an official of the ANCF on X, stating that the game has been temporarily suspended, rather than banned, at least for the time being.

“Unlike sports like MMA, which were completely banned, chess has not been outlawed but placed under temporary suspension while religious and administrative reviews are ongoing,” said the official.

The official added that the Afghan Chess Federation has been suspended for multiple reasons, including disputes over leadership, mismanagement, and legitimacy. 

Mashwani noted that the federation has not held any official events nor had any effective activity inside Afghanistan for the past two years.

Informal Chess Circles Affected by Suspension

Mr. Azizullah Gulzada, who owns a cafe in Kabul, stated that the customers have regularly played informal chess but denied any gambling. “Many other Islamic countries have players on an international level,”  Gulzada said, noting that young people do not have many activities to do, so they come to the cafe to play games. 

While he acknowledged that the suspension would hurt his business, he added that he would respect it.

The Taliban have banned chess once before, when they came into power in 1996. 

The game returned as a popular pastime after the regime changed in 2001. Chess has enjoyed a resurgence in the country, with the national federation formerly operating under the government’s Ministry of Sports.

Afghanistan then won the D Category during the Batumi Olympiad in 2018, with CM Hkaiber Farazi, Wais Abdul Khaliq, CM Habibullah Amini, Ashrafi Sulaiman Ahmad, and Safy Kanz Ahmad in its team.

Since seizing power in 2021, the authorities have also restricted other sports, barring women from participating in any sports altogether.

Last year, the authorities banned free fighting, including mixed martial arts, in professional competitions. They said it was too violent and problematic in the eyes of the law.

The ban also comes soon after the Indian government raised similar concerns, questioning whether games of skill could become games of chance if betting is involved.

The post Taliban Suspends Chess in Afghanistan Over Gambling Concerns appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The figure represents an increase of 27.44% compared to the same period last year. The regulator also highlighted Q125 as pivotal in the country’s gambling ecosystem, with electronic gaming becoming the primary revenue driver for the first time. 

Alejandro H. Tengco, the CEO and Chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), said: “The E-Games and E-Bingo segment made history by becoming the industry’s top revenue driver for the first time, contributing Php51.39 billion or 49.36% of the total first quarter GGR.” 

Consumer Shift Drives Philippines Gaming Surge

He added that this is not just revenue growth but a representation of how consumer behavior continues to shift towards digital, on-demand gaming experiences. The CEO attributes the acceleration in channel shift to broader access to mobile technology.”

The CEO also highlighted that the gaming industry’s rise has significantly reshaped the Filipino gaming landscape.

Tengco explained that digital platforms are taking center stage as the Philippine gaming industry is paradigm-shifting. “Hence, our goal as a regulator is to strike the right balance between innovation, player protection, and long-term industry sustainability,” he added.

PAGCOR’s report notes that licensed casinos generated Php49.28 billion, accounting for 47.32% of the industry’s total. Due to growing digital competition, revenues from licensed casinos dipped slightly in 2024.

“The performance of brick-and-mortar casinos remains critical to industry stability, particularly in tourism-driven hubs such as Entertainment City and Clark,” the Chairman said.

PAGCOR Continues Its Transition

The report also mentions that PAGCOR-operated casinos generated Php3.45 billion in revenues, claiming 3.31% of the market share.

A year ago, PAGCOR’s report for Q1 2024 also marked a considerable increase in income, which went up by over 42% from 2023. The regulator declared total revenue of Php25.24 billion, and Tengco outlined that the corporation was on track to reach Php100 billion in annual income for the first time in its 40-year history.

PAGCOR was also transitioning to become solely a gambling regulatory agency, moving away from its dual role as a regulator and an operator. Its goal was to complete the transition by 2025.

The post Philippines Gaming Revenue Hits Php104.12 Billion in Q1 2025, Driven by Digital Growth appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The hearing was announced on 17 April and held as planned, lasting for nearly two hours. 

Fanatics Going Through the Massachusetts Suitability Process

The regulator decided that Fanatics Betting and Gaming is suitable to progress to a full license, joining the six other licensed operators in the state. 

Fanatics is currently operating in the state under a one-year category 3 sports betting license. All seven operators are in a similar position and will have to undergo a suitability process to receive a full five-year sports betting license.

During the hearing, Fanatics founder and CEO Michael Rubin said, “Thank you for the time and energy all of you are putting into this throughout the review. We appreciate the partnership, we care about you a lot, and you’re an incredibly important state to us.”

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission Investigations and Enforcement Bureau’s (IEB) counsel, Kathleen Kramer, said the bureau’s ultimate recommendation was to award durable suitability to Fanatics for a full license.

Kramer said that the IEB’s investigation has concluded that the applicant and each qualifier has established their qualifications for durable suitability. “The IEB recommends the commission find the applicant and all of the qualifiers suitable, subject to conditions,” Kramer added.

The conditions include, but are not limited to, updating or improving MGC’s understanding of Fanatics’ platform’s cybersecurity policy, and continuing to update IEB on the status of its gaming compliance committee.

Kramer noted that the suitability process is ongoing and that IEB will continue to monitor the situation. 

Other Operators All Must Go Through the Same

DraftKings was the first operator to undergo the MGC’s process. This happened in December during a nearly five-hour meeting. 

All other operators working under temporary licenses will have to undergo the same process. In addition to DraftKings and Fanatics, other candidates currently operational in the state are Bally Bet, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, ESPN BET, and FanDuel.

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