Illegal betting apps thrive underground despite ban
Experts and law enforcement agencies warn that beyond the lure of easy money, these apps pose serious cyber threats, endangering users' financial data, device security, and even national digital infrastructure.
The state govt categorically banned online gambling and betting under state-specific laws. In 2020, the Andhra Pradesh Gaming (Amendment) Act criminalised online betting. These laws empower police to arrest individuals for promoting or participating in online betting.
However, enforcement is outpaced by technology. With these apps not available on the Google Play Store due to policy violations, developers resort to distributing APK files via Telegram, WhatsApp, YouTube video descriptions, pop-up websites, and even pirated movie streaming platforms.
"Users install these APKs by bypassing Android security warnings. They grant full permissions, often unknowingly giving access to their SMS inbox, contacts, photos, and even UPI apps," says a cybercrime officer from the state cyber crime division.
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"These apps are often cloned versions of popular betting platforms. Their interfaces look legitimate, but in the background, the data theft begins as soon as you click 'Allow Permissions'," the officer added.
On the ground, the reality is grim. Despite the ban, youth across Vijayawada, Guntur, and other places across the state are drawn into betting via apps linked to cricket matches, virtual casinos, teen patti, or fantasy sports.
During IPL or World Cup seasons, cybercrime complaints spike.
A 22-year-old engineering student from Guntur, requesting anonymity, said he lost over 3.5 lakh to an online poker app downloaded through a Telegram group. "It started with small wins. Then I was told to deposit more to unlock VIP access. One day, the app stopped working, and I couldn't withdraw a single rupee. Later, my Paytm account showed suspicious transactions."
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