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Business Standard
20 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
India hub for illegal online betting, sites got 5 bn visits in FY25: Report
Lacking basic safeguards and regulations, India is fast emerging as a hub for illegal online betting and gambling market, with the top 15 such unauthorised platforms logging an alarming over 5.4 billion visits in FY25, according to a report by public policy think-tank on consumer sovereignty. The annual deposits in these illegal platforms, including 1xBet, Parimatch, Stake, Fairplay and BateryBet, is estimated to the tune of $100 billion, CUTS International said in its report on Sunday. Pointing to a worrying trend, the report highlighted that these platforms often bypass basic safeguards like Know Your Customer (KYC) and age verification, giving minors and young adults unregulated and unrestricted access to gambling content. Some offshore operators, such as Parimatch, use tactics like cash-on-delivery, making it easier for minors, who may lack digital payment access, to gamble repeatedly without parental or legal oversight. 'This report's policy gap assessment reveals a disturbing reality- that while many jurisdictions around the world are introducing strict penalties on illegal gambling and building enforcement partnerships with major tech platforms, India continues to lack basic safeguards. Without urgent regulatory action, these platforms will keep targeting unsuspecting and vulnerable consumers. We must act swiftly to protect Indian users and restore integrity to our digital ecosystem,' said Pradeep Mehta, founder and secretary general, CUTS. Highlighting the lack of norms for advertisements, no payment-blocking protocols, and no systematic domain-monitoring infrastructure, specifically for illegal gambling, the report called for the setting up of a central regulator. 'Illegal gambling operators are systematically exploiting India's advertising and payment infrastructure, siphoning off crores of rupees from outside the country. This presents a major national security threat and also exposes Indian consumers to serious harm,' Mehta said. What is more alarming is that traffic share for one such platform, Parimatch, for the month of March 2025 even outranked widely used sites such as and the report said. The report also highlighted that the appeal of these illegal platforms lies in their accessibility and in the immersive and high-risk experiences they engineer. Illegal platforms such as Stake and 1xBet deploy sophisticated psychological design techniques and often facilitate higher-risk betting, which intensifies the excitement and thrill. Such high-stakes environments are particularly attractive to sensation-seeking youth and those with impulsive tendencies, significantly increasing their risk of developing gambling-related harm. Engagement, retention strategies drive huge traffic A critical driving factor behind the growth and sustainability of illegal gambling platforms in India is their aggressive user acquisition, engagement, and retention strategies, it said. They employ a sophisticated ecosystem of tools and tactics designed to attract new users and to keep them actively engaged. Over 66 per cent of total traffic, amounting to more than 3.5 billion visits (between April 2024 and March 2025), is through direct traffic, meaning users are manually entering URLs, using bookmarks, or copying links from private channels. This means that there is an illusion of trustworthiness, where users perceive these illegal platforms as established and trusted brands. A significant portion of direct traffic is also driven by mass media advertising, such as television commercials, outdoor advertising, billboard campaigns, and celebrity endorsements. Another critical discovery channel is search engines, particularly Google. Search traffic contributes more than 650 million visits, meaning that the illegal gambling platforms are successfully indexed and ranked high in search results, aided by aggressive SEO tactics and inadequate enforcement by search engines. Further, illegal gambling operators continue to facilitate the movement of funds by employing rapidly evolving tactics and exploiting loopholes and vulnerabilities in India's payment infrastructure. Such tactics include extensive use of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, mule accounts, and mobile APKs, the report said. They have also developed sophisticated apps like XHelper, designed to coordinate vast money mule networks and sustain the illegal gambling ecosystem operating beneath the surface of India's digital economy. The Ministry of Finance had in March 2025 revealed intensified enforcement against offshore online entities, with nearly 700 under investigation. So far, 357 illegal or non-compliant websites/URLs have been blocked and almost 2,000 bank accounts frozen, apart from other robust initiatives. However, the report has called for additional efforts to make such measures more effective. The report further argues that enforcement is largely manual and reactive, while consumer protection remains minimal. The report has provided recommendations, drawn from international best practices, such as establishing a comprehensive national framework to combat illegal online gambling, one that ensures clear accountability across payments, advertising, digital platforms, and financial intermediaries.
Asahi Shimbun
3 days ago
- Asahi Shimbun
Man arrested in Japan's largest individual online gambling case
Police seized a notebook from the suspect that detailed his 'winning strategies' for online casinos. (Natsuno Otahara) Police have arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of online gambling in what is believed to be the largest individual case of its kind in Japan, involving bets worth tens of billions of yen. Makoto Chomabayashi is accused of wagering 90 million yen ($625,500), mainly on baccarat, on the global casino site Stake between August 2022 and April this year, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The suspect, from Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, admitted to the allegations, saying he was aware that online gambling is illegal in Japan but believed he wouldn't get caught. 'News reports said there were hundreds of thousands of players in Japan, so I thought I was only the tip of the iceberg,' he said. However, investigators suspect he is much more than that and believe he placed bets totaling 28 billion yen, the largest amount ever attributed to one individual in an illegal gambling case in Japan. Despite the massive amount wagered, Chomabayashi likely ended up losing 40 million yen. He is also suspected of acting as an affiliate marketer for the casino site. To attract new users, he posted images of gambling wins on X under the alias 'Meikyo Shisui'—a term from Chinese philosophy meaning a 'clear and serene mind.' Investigators believe he referred over 100 players to the platform and earned 7 million yen in commissions since April 2023. The suspect said he was motivated by a desire for recognition, noting that praise for his big scores boosted his self-worth. According to a recent National Police Agency survey, an estimated 3.37 million people in Japan have gambled through online casinos, with total bets reaching 1.24 trillion yen annually. Alarmingly, 40 percent of users were unaware their activities were illegal under Japanese law. In response, the government has revised its policies on illegal gambling, introducing stricter regulations targeting affiliate marketers and third-party payment processors.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Real Housewives star slammed for casino promo after estranged husband says she gambled away $1.5M fortune
Kim Zolciak is facing fresh backlash after promoting an online casino — despite ongoing claims that her gambling habit helped tank her family's finances. The 47-year-old former Real Housewives of Atlanta star and her estranged husband Kroy Biermann have been embroiled in ongoing legal and financial chaos, shocking fans when they each filed for divorce in May 2023 after nearly 12 years of marriage. Since then, the pair have been locked in a messy dispute over their Georgia mansion, custody of their four minor children, child support, and alimony. Amid 9-1-1 calls and fiery claims from both sides, the former NFL linebacker told police in 2023 that Kim was a 'compulsive behavior addict' who had blown a staggering $1.5 million on gambling. But this week, Kim appeared to shrug off the drama, posting an Instagram video promoting the online casino Stake. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'One of my favorite things to do when I have some free time is to play on Stake,' she captioned the clip. Now, fans say Kim's casino promo is just the latest sign she's not owning up to her mistakes. Many see it as her flaunting the same behavior that wrecked her marriage and finances in the first place, as critics didn't hold back in the comments. 'Isn't this the issue that caused the split? #gottaproblemdontcare,' one user asked. Kim clapped back, replying, '@lauriesg absolutely not.' But the backlash kept coming: 'Omg your gambling. You've learned nothing,' one wrote. Another added, 'Ain't u already gamble away your fam's $?' while someone else chimed in, 'Promoting gambling when you have literally lost everything. Get it together, girl.' The accusations about Kim's gambling losses were seen in a 2023 Milton Police Department bodycam video after officers responded to the home after Kim reported a domestic dispute. Many see it as her flaunting the same behavior that wrecked her marriage and finances in the first place, as critics didn't hold back in the comments Biermann said that Zolciak's penchant for gambling had grown exponentially in recent years. They were pictured in Atlanta in October of 2022 The footage was obtained by about two months after Biermann and Zolciak filed for divorce from one another. Biermann - who was cautious as he spoke to law enforcement in hopes Zolciak would not hear him- called the Bravo personality a 'narcissist to the extreme level.' Biermann said that Zolciak's penchant for gambling had grown exponentially in recent years. 'It's probably been going on for pretty much our entire marriage and it's gotten significantly worse,' Biermann said of Zolciak. 'In the last two years, she's gambled away $700,000 - just in the last two-and-a-half years.' He added: 'The total in the marriage was about $1.5 million dollars - and she does it online.' In the incident, Zolciak told police that Biermann had locked in a safe a cache of valuable items she owned that were worth $175,000 - including designer purses and jewelry - and hid the key from her. Biermann said he believed the lot of items fell under the classification of community property, adding of the items: 'The problem is these are the assets, there are no [other] assets to go to.' Biermann told police that the Don't Be Tardy alum 'has decimated everything' with her penchant for gambling; he added that some of her gaming activity was illegal. Zolciak and Biermann's four kids - Kroy Jr., 13, Kash, 12, and twins Kane and Kaia, 10- were at home at the time of the altercation. (Biermann had adopted Zolciak's older children from previous relationships - Brielle, 26, and Ariana Biermann, 21 - when they were minors in the couple's earlier years.) In documents filed at the time, Zolciak said that Biermann smokes marijuana, calling into credibility his ability to raise their kids; while Biermann claimed that Zolciak's gambling habit has consumed her time and decimated the family finances. In February, the exes sold their Georgia home for $2.5 million, after originally attempting to sell it for $6 million. They bought the seven-bedroom, 11-bathroom property in 2012 for $880,000. In March, Kim confirmed she's dating again just days after breaking down in tears over finally being 'free of' Kroy. While she didn't reveal the identity of her suitor, Zolciak — who was previously linked to Tom Hanks' son Chet — dished that he's 'age-appropriate' and 'definitely not' a Hollywood type.
Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Premier League clubs' gambling sponsors leave UK after £3m fine
Premier League clubs are under pressure to ditch unlicensed gambling shirt sponsors after the betting regulator levied a £3 million fine on a series of high profile brands. Bournemouth, Fulham, Newcastle, Wolves and Burnley are all sponsored by betting websites run by TGP Europe. The firm, which oversees Stake, Fun88 and SportPesa, will leave the UK after it was handed a £3.3 million fine for failing to carry out sufficient checks on business partners and breaching anti-money laundering rules, the second such finding in three years. • National Lottery risks 'enforcement action' over failed promises The Gambling Commission has contacted the clubs warning they 'may be liable to prosecution … if they promote unlicensed gambling businesses that transact with consumers in Great Britain'. There are
Travel Daily News
07-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Travel codes that copy Stake promo codes
On Stake, users won't have a standard no-deposit bonus. Instead, they will find more regular promotions on this site so that users have better accessibility and don't need to pay an upfront deposit to participate in this space. Who doesn't love promo codes? Promo codes have been used for a long time, and up to this moment, they are still relevant in plenty of industries worldwide. From tourism to online casinos, these promo codes have captured the hearts of customers forever. Promo codes are a large term that encompasses discount codes, promotion codes, coupons, and vouchers. In travel, they are used when booking a hotel or for airplanes so that customers will be able to get a special offer and benefit from a discount. There are many reasons why companies from the travel industry use this type of promo code. For example, thanks to them, tourism companies can drive more bookings and attract the attention of individuals worldwide. Some people might not be interested in booking a trip at full price, which is why they find it better to have access to these promo codes. Additionally, with these promo codes, tourism companies can attract customers even during non-popular periods or at the last moment. Early bird discounts and last-minute promos are very popular, and many travelers have taken advantage of them over the years. However, not all travel companies realize the importance of promo codes. So, it can be a good idea to be inspired by global companies that are renowned for offering amazing bonuses. Stake is an online casino that has risen tremendously in popularity for many reasons, but among the most important ones is that it gives customers great promo codes. A Stake promo code can attract the attention of possible customers faster, especially since this online casino has built its reputation on amazing bonuses and promotions. Travel companies can consider Stake a good example and be inspired by its successful story. In this article, we will explore the Stake promo codes in detail. But first, let's see what the combination of gambling and tourism is. Gambling and tourism Before online casinos emerged on the market, the activities of casinos occurred in traditional locations all over the world. Casinos are loved by individuals worldwide, and some of them want to cross oceans to be able to play casino games at these popular venues. This is how the notion of casino tourism has emerged. Among the most popular places worldwide that are visited for casinos is Las Vegas, of course, which has always been a paradise for the casino landscape. People are visiting Las Vegas for the variety of casinos it provides, offering an experience they will surely not forget. Canada is also a paradise for casino tourism, and it is home to renowned casinos worldwide. Canada knows it has taken the lead, and it wants to bring technology into this landscape to improve individuals' experiences even more. There are plenty of online casinos in Canada that have forever captured individuals' attention. Other than casino tourism, travel companies can get inspired by the promo codes that online casinos are using, especially from the successful story of Stake. Stake's bonus codes explained From the large variety of online casino offerings, Stake can truly say that it offers the best casino bonus in Canada. The bonus of Stake is inspired by transparency and simplicity, and users can find a large variety of promotions that they can take advantage of. Companies from the travel industry are encouraged to copy them, as in this way, they can open the door to a lot of opportunities that will make them stand out, exactly like what happened in the case of Stake. On you will find an expert team that offers honest opinions about different gambling sites and games so that players worldwide can make more informed decisions. There, individuals can find reliable resources because this site promotes responsible gambling. The professionals from this site want to educate the entire audience about more information from the gambling sector, such as bonuses, wagering requirements, and gambling operators. Stake Bonus Types and Promotions: Weekly giveaways: At Stake, users can win rewards through the weekly raffles that occur on the Stake platform. At Stake, users can win rewards through the weekly raffles that occur on the Stake platform. Daily Races: The daily races from Stake are a great way to boost user engagement. After all, who wouldn't want to have the chance to win $100,000 every 24 hours? The daily races from Stake are a great way to boost user engagement. After all, who wouldn't want to have the chance to win $100,000 every 24 hours? Promotions: On Stake, users find periodic promotions that can inspire companies from other sectors as well. Some of them include 'Stake vs. Eddie,' 'Conquer the Casino,' and 'The Level Up.' No Deposit Bonus On Stake, users won't have a standard no-deposit bonus. Instead, they will find more regular promotions on this site so that users have better accessibility and don't need to pay an upfront deposit to participate in this space. In general, community challenges, events, and competitions are open to everyone and offer anyone the opportunity to earn rewards. Welcome Bonus Stake doesn't have a standard welcome bonus. They treat all players equally, whether they are beginners or seasoned Stake players. This is a great bonus, and companies from all sectors can be inspired by the Stake attitude to treat all users equally through consistent challenges and promotions. Free spins Stake often offers free spins as limited-time offers. So, even though free spins are not directly attached to the welcome package, they are still available, and users need to keep constant track of them to take advantage of them. Special promotions: Birthday Bonuses: On Stake, users can celebrate their birthday with a surprise from Stake, which often includes bonus credits or free spins. On Stake, users can celebrate their birthday with a surprise from Stake, which often includes bonus credits or free spins. Monthly Bonus Rewards: Stake has a bonus rewards program where bonuses are tailored exactly to players' preferences and habits. Stake has a bonus rewards program where bonuses are tailored exactly to players' preferences and habits. Season promotions: Stake knows how to celebrate holidays while offering players the chance to take advantage of special bonuses and promotions. Stake is an excellent example of a company that knows how to leverage the power of bonuses, and it can inspire companies from other sectors, including tourism. Photo by Ryan Grewell on Unsplash
