Latest news with #1xBat
NDTV
3 days ago
- NDTV
Rs 8.3 Lakh Crore Market: Inside India's Illegal Online Betting Apps
New Delhi: Cricketer Suresh Raina was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate Wednesday over his endorsement - he is reportedly the brand ambassador - of 1xBet, an illegal online betting app. The ED is investigating money laundering charges against several such apps - including Lotus65 and FairPlay, and associated betting platforms like 1xBat - and has expanded inquiries to include celebrities, like Mr Raina and Bollywood actor Urvashi Rautela, who endorse them. Among the questions Mr Raina will be expected to answer are: What role did you play in the promotion of 1xBet? Did you promote any other such platform? Do you have any contract with, or records of monetary transaction related to, 1xBet or 'surrogate' platforms like 1xBat? How, and through which company and account, were you paid? Did you or your representatives check the legal status of these platforms? Were you aware their algorithms are written in a way that classifies them as 'gambling' and not 'skill-based games'? Did you know that this makes platforms like 1xBet illegal under Indian law? Did you, directly or indirectly, interact with the operators of 1xBet? Did you promote these platforms even in states where online betting is completely banned? At least two other cricketers - Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh - are also being investigated, as are popular actors like Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Devarakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi. Sources told NDTV the purpose is to establish if they, and other celebrities promoting these and other illegal online betting apps and websites, were aware of their illegal nature. Online Betting Apps: The Numbers Sources told NDTV a staggering 22 crore people across the country have downloaded these illegal apps on their smartphones, and at least half are regular users, i.e., they bet every day. And access isn't restricted to mobile devices. In January-March 2025, illegal betting websites received over 150 crore visitors. Overall, this 'market' is now worth Rs 8.3 lakh crore and is growing at a rate of 30 per cent every year. And top-tier betting apps cost the government Rs 27,000 crore in taxes every year. Online Betting Apps: The Tragedy The ED has said these platforms present themselves as hosting 'skill-based' games but use rigged algorithms that mean they run 'gambling' games under Indian laws. And the lure of that 'fast money' - advertisements routinely show celebrities making tens of thousands, if not lakhs, in mere seconds - leads individuals and families to financial ruin. In December last year the World Health Organization said gambling can 'threaten health, lead to increased incidence of mental illness and suicide'. In its advisory, the health body said gambling 'drives poverty by diverting household spending from essential goods and services'. The WHO also called out 'the rapid normalization of gambling... through commercialization and digitization' and said 'sponsorship and marketing are also key factors in rapid global growth'. In India there are reports, almost daily, of deaths due to gambling debts. In June, for example, a young Rajasthan couple allegedly died by suicide after incurring debts of Rs 5 lakh. Deepak Rathore from Kota used to bet on his smartphone. A day before his wife and he were found dead, Mr Rathore told his sister, 'I have no option left except to die...' Last month a 24-year-old software professional from Hyderabad died by suicide after running up multiple debts playing rummy, the card game, online. And in January two men allegedly died by suicide, in separate incidents, after struggling for years with their gambling problems. Online Betting Apps: The Focus Preliminary inquiries by the federal agency - in these and other cases - suggest multiple laws are being violated, including the Information Technology (IT) Act, the Foreign Exchange Management Act, and the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Investigations into this murky space have been hampered by the 'here today, gone tomorrow' nature of these platforms. Should suspicion fall on one, for example, that website or app is simply shut down and a new one is then launched, often with only marginally different branding. And the owner/operators of these platforms are routinely based abroad, making it difficult for Indian law enforcement, whether the ED or the Central Bureau of Investigation, to catch them. They often set up base in countries with lax gambling laws or where gambling is legal. READ | Juice Seller To Millionaire Scammer: Mahadev Betting App Accused's Empire And when Indian authorities close in, as they did in the Mahadev betting app case, in which former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was named, they shift base to another. Mr Baghel denied any link to the scam and called the allegations 'politically motivated', coming, as they did, before a state election in 2023 and the 2024 Lok Sabha poll. Against that backdrop, the ED is also looking at the responsibility of software companies and social media platforms that host or promote these illegal betting apps and websites. Some of the questions the agency is now asking are: Did companies like Google and Meta deliberately promote betting apps? Did these platforms profit from advertisements? Specifically, the agency suspects tech firms like these may have played a role, inadvertently or otherwise, in enabling these apps by not vetting advertisers and allowing promotional content. So far, neither Google nor Meta has publicly commented on the investigation.
Hans India
13-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
1xBat becomes sponsor of Eagle Nashik Titans in MPL 2025: Investing in the growth of regional cricket in India
The sports news platform 1xBat Sporting Lines has become the official partner of the promising cricket team Eagle Nashik Titans in the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) 2025. This collaboration aims to strengthen support for regional sports, create new opportunities for young athletes, and increase visibility for this ambitious tournament. Eagle Nashik Titans entered the regional cricket scene in 2023 and have played a key role in revitalizing the Maharashtra Premier League. In their debut season, the team reached the state playoffs, and in 2024, they advanced to the final, where they were narrowly defeated by the Ratnagiri Jets. All MPL matches are held at the MCA International Stadium in Pune, which seats 45,000 spectators. The league's broadcast reach has expanded to 170 million viewers, making the Maharashtra Premier League the largest regional cricket tournament in India after the IPL. The MPL now serves as a bridge between the Ranji Trophy and the Indian Premier League, offering young talent from Maharashtra a platform to showcase their skills at a higher level. Scouts from India's top teams closely follow MPL matches. The league has already helped launch the careers of Rajneesh Gurbani and Sachin Dhas, and fans can expect even more breakout stars in the upcoming season. "We are proud to sponsor Eagle Nashik Titans — a rising franchise that shares our ambitions. Over the past two seasons, the team has shown steady progress and impressive results. They're also doing a great job developing young talent — just look at top-scorer Atharva Kale's performance in MPL 2024. The league has become a launchpad for the next generation of stars, many of whom move on to IPL clubs and achieve global recognition. We're excited to support regional cricket and contribute to the broader growth of India's sporting landscape," said a representative of 1xBat. As part of the partnership between 1xBat Sporting Lines and Eagle Nashik Titans, the brand's logo will appear on the team's jerseys, training kits, official website, and social media. It will also be featured on giant screens and sight screens during MPL 2025 matches, with regular giveaways of team merchandise and tickets to Eagle Nashik Titans games included in the collaboration. "We're excited to join forces with 1xBat, a respected and well-known platform. Their media and financial support will help us grow stronger and shine a brighter light on our emerging players. This season, we're going all in for the trophy, and wearing the 1xBat logo on our jerseys gives us even more drive to succeed," said a representative of Eagle Nashik Titans. The MPL 2025 season opener is scheduled for June 4, where the Eagles will face defending champions Ratnagiri Jets. Don't miss the kickoff of one of India's premier regional cricket leagues — and follow all the key action with 1xBat! About 1xBat Sporting Lines 1xBat Sporting Lines is an online news platform from India where you can find the most important sports news. 1xBat readers get daily updates on cricket, kabaddi, football, and other sports. Site visitors can see team rankings and find predictions for sporting events. 1xBat Sporting Lines has become the sponsor of Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20 2025), Eagle Nashik Titans in the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL 2025), and Lyca Kovai Kings in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL 2025). Also, the news platform signed a sponsorship agreement with Tamil Thalaivas for the 11th season of the Pro Kabaddi League. The brand is the official sponsor as the 'powered by' partner of the 8th season of the Abu Dhabi T10 2024 Cricket League.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
1xBat becomes sponsor of Eagle Nashik Titans in MPL 2025: Investing in the growth of regional cricket in India
The sports news platform 1xBat Sporting Lines has become the official partner of the promising cricket team Eagle Nashik Titans in the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) 2025. This collaboration aims to strengthen support for regional sports, create new opportunities for young athletes, and increase visibility for this ambitious tournament. Eagle Nashik Titans entered the regional cricket scene in 2023 and have played a key role in revitalizing the Maharashtra Premier League. In their debut season, the team reached the state playoffs, and in 2024, they advanced to the final, where they were narrowly defeated by the Ratnagiri Jets. All MPL matches are held at the MCA International Stadium in Pune, which seats 45,000 spectators. The league's broadcast reach has expanded to 170 million viewers, making the Maharashtra Premier League the largest regional cricket tournament in India after the IPL. The MPL now serves as a bridge between the Ranji Trophy and the Indian Premier League, offering young talent from Maharashtra a platform to showcase their skills at a higher level. Scouts from India's top teams closely follow MPL matches. The league has already helped launch the careers of Rajneesh Gurbani and Sachin Dhas, and fans can expect even more breakout stars in the upcoming season. "We are proud to sponsor Eagle Nashik Titans — a rising franchise that shares our ambitions. Over the past two seasons, the team has shown steady progress and impressive results. They're also doing a great job developing young talent — just look at top-scorer Atharva Kale's performance in MPL 2024. The league has become a launchpad for the next generation of stars, many of whom move on to IPL clubs and achieve global recognition. We're excited to support regional cricket and contribute to the broader growth of India's sporting landscape," said a representative of 1xBat. As part of the partnership between 1xBat Sporting Lines and Eagle Nashik Titans, the brand's logo will appear on the team's jerseys, training kits, official website, and social media. It will also be featured on giant screens and sight screens during MPL 2025 matches, with regular giveaways of team merchandise and tickets to Eagle Nashik Titans games included in the collaboration. "We're excited to join forces with 1xBat, a respected and well-known platform. Their media and financial support will help us grow stronger and shine a brighter light on our emerging players. This season, we're going all in for the trophy, and wearing the 1xBat logo on our jerseys gives us even more drive to succeed," said a representative of Eagle Nashik Titans. The MPL 2025 season opener is scheduled for June 4, where the Eagles will face defending champions Ratnagiri Jets. Don't miss the kickoff of one of India's premier regional cricket leagues — and follow all the key action with 1xBat! About 1xBat Sporting Lines 1xBat Sporting Lines is an online news platform from India where you can find the most important sports news. 1xBat readers get daily updates on cricket, kabaddi, football, and other sports. Site visitors can see team rankings and find predictions for sporting events. 1xBat Sporting Lines has become the sponsor of Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20 2025), Eagle Nashik Titans in the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL 2025), and Lyca Kovai Kings in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL 2025). Also, the news platform signed a sponsorship agreement with Tamil Thalaivas for the 11th season of the Pro Kabaddi League. The brand is the official sponsor as the 'powered by' partner of the 8th season of the Abu Dhabi T10 2024 Cricket League.
Business Standard
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
1xBat and TNPL: a partnership for the future of Indian cricket
VMPL New Delhi [India], May 27: The online news platform 1xBat has become an official partner of TNPL 2025, the promising regional cricket championship. This collaboration will support local sports and serve as a launchpad for young talents who aim to grow and build successful careers at the national level. TNPL is an annual Twenty20 cricket championship for franchises from the state of Tamil Nadu. Matches take place in July and August at the region's largest stadiums: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Salem Cricket Foundation Ground, SNR College Cricket Ground, NPR College Ground, and Indian Cement Company Ground. Founded in 2016, the Tamil Nadu Premier League has captivated tens of thousands of spectators with its exciting matches over the past nine years. The games are broadcast on Disney Star and Fancode. The TNPL regional championship has served as a starting point for talented cricketers who have gone on to become stars in the IPL and even the Indian national team, such as Thangarasu Natarajan, Washington Sundar, and Varun Chakravarthy. Their success highlights the potential and crucial role of the regional league in developing cricket across the country. The partnership with TNPL 2025 has become a crucial component of the 1xBat global strategy to support local cricket championships and young players. Over the past six months alone, the brand has sponsored 12 regional cricket leagues, including the Haryana Titans Championship, the Super Kings Championship, the 3rd Life Caere T-20 Cup, the Industrial Trophy, and numerous other local tournaments. A strong commitment to supporting talented athletes has laid the foundation for a productive partnership. "1xBat and TNPL share common values and a mutual desire to shape a brighter future for India starting today. True cricket is born in regional leagues where young men with fire in their eyes and a burning ambition fight their way to the top to earn applause at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Their dreams will become reality thanks to the consistent financial and marketing support of the Tamil Nadu Premier League," said a spokesperson from 1xBat Sporting Lines. As part of the collaboration, stadiums will feature branded mats, balls, advertising boards, and outdoor banners with the 1xBat logo. The new partner's name will also be heard on the radio and mentioned by commentators during TNPL match broadcasts. "We are excited to collaborate with one of the top online news platforms in India and are confident that with the 1xBat support, we will elevate TNPL to a new level. Match previews, in-depth analytical content, and engaging stories about the league's most talented players will draw new fans to the stadiums and boost viewership of the most thrilling live matches," said R.I. Palani, TNPL representative. The 9th season of the Tamil Nadu Premier League is set to kick off next month, promising an exciting array of thrilling matches and a new wave of promising players. The reigning champions, Dindigul Dragons, will try to repeat last year's success, but Chepauk Super Gillies, Trichy Grand Cholas, and other teams are also ready to struggle for the title. Follow all the TNPL 2025 action on the 1xBat Sporting Lines online platform and be among the first to witness the future stars of the IPL and the Indian national team in action! About 1xBat 1xBat Sporting Lines is an online news platform from India where you can find the most important sports news. 1xBat readers get daily updates on cricket, kabaddi, football, and other sports. Site visitors can see team rankings and find predictions for sporting events. 1xBat Sporting Lines has signed a partnership agreement with Desert Vipers and has become the team's Principal Sponsor in the International League T20 (ILT20 2025) tournament. Also, the news platform signed a sponsorship agreement with Tamil Thalaivas for the 11th season of the Pro Kabaddi League. The brand is the official sponsor as the 'powered by' partner of the 8th season of the Abu Dhabi T10 2024 Cricket League.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
1xBat and TNPL: a partnership for the future of Indian cricket
The online news platform 1xBat has become an official partner of TNPL 2025, the promising regional cricket championship. This collaboration will support local sports and serve as a launchpad for young talents who aim to grow and build successful careers at the national level. TNPL is an annual Twenty20 cricket championship for franchises from the state of Tamil Nadu. Matches take place in July and August at the region's largest stadiums: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Salem Cricket Foundation Ground, SNR College Cricket Ground, NPR College Ground, and Indian Cement Company Ground. Founded in 2016, the Tamil Nadu Premier League has captivated tens of thousands of spectators with its exciting matches over the past nine years. The games are broadcast on Disney Star and Fancode. The TNPL regional championship has served as a starting point for talented cricketers who have gone on to become stars in the IPL and even the Indian national team, such as Thangarasu Natarajan, Washington Sundar, and Varun Chakravarthy. Their success highlights the potential and crucial role of the regional league in developing cricket across the country. The partnership with TNPL 2025 has become a crucial component of the 1xBat global strategy to support local cricket championships and young players. Over the past six months alone, the brand has sponsored 12 regional cricket leagues, including the Haryana Titans Championship, the Super Kings Championship, the 3rd Life Caere T-20 Cup, the Industrial Trophy, and numerous other local tournaments. A strong commitment to supporting talented athletes has laid the foundation for a productive partnership. '1xBat and TNPL share common values and a mutual desire to shape a brighter future for India starting today. True cricket is born in regional leagues where young men with fire in their eyes and a burning ambition fight their way to the top to earn applause at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Their dreams will become reality thanks to the consistent financial and marketing support of the Tamil Nadu Premier League,' said a spokesperson from 1xBat Sporting Lines. As part of the collaboration, stadiums will feature branded mats, balls, advertising boards, and outdoor banners with the 1xBat logo. The new partner's name will also be heard on the radio and mentioned by commentators during TNPL match broadcasts. 'We are excited to collaborate with one of the top online news platforms in India and are confident that with the 1xBat support, we will elevate TNPL to a new level. Match previews, in-depth analytical content, and engaging stories about the league's most talented players will draw new fans to the stadiums and boost viewership of the most thrilling live matches,' said R.I. Palani, TNPL representative. The 9th season of the Tamil Nadu Premier League is set to kick off next month, promising an exciting array of thrilling matches and a new wave of promising players. The reigning champions, Dindigul Dragons, will try to repeat last year's success, but Chepauk Super Gillies, Trichy Grand Cholas, and other teams are also ready to struggle for the title. Follow all the TNPL 2025 action on the 1xBat Sporting Lines online platform and be among the first to witness the future stars of the IPL and the Indian national team in action! About 1xBat 1xBat Sporting Lines is an online news platform from India where you can find the most important sports news. 1xBat readers get daily updates on cricket, kabaddi, football, and other sports. Site visitors can see team rankings and find predictions for sporting events. 1xBat Sporting Lines has signed a partnership agreement with Desert Vipers and has become the team's Principal Sponsor in the International League T20 (ILT20 2025) tournament. Also, the news platform signed a sponsorship agreement with Tamil Thalaivas for the 11th season of the Pro Kabaddi League. The brand is the official sponsor as the 'powered by' partner of the 8th season of the Abu Dhabi T10 2024 Cricket League.
