Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina is set to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) today, August 13, at 11 am, in connection with the ongoing probe into the ‘1xBet’ case. The ED is investigating the betting platform for allegedly running illegal gambling operations under the guise of skill-based games.
What Officials Had To Say
According to officials, while 1xBet claims to host games of skill, its algorithms are allegedly manipulated, making it fall under the category of gambling as per Indian law. Raina, who was appointed as the platform’s “responsible gaming ambassador,” will record his statement as part of the investigation.
Raina’s Stats
One of India’s most celebrated cricketers, Raina has an illustrious career to his name – scoring 5,615 runs in 226 ODIs, 1,605 runs in 78 T20Is, and 768 runs in 18 Tests. He is also among the rare few to have scored centuries in all three formats of the game and is widely regarded as one of the best fielders India has produced.
Several Other Names Revealed
The ED’s crackdown on celebrity endorsements of betting platforms has already seen several names surface. On Monday, actor Rana Daggubati appeared before the agency in Hyderabad, following a delay in responding to his earlier summons due to shooting commitments. He was reportedly questioned about payments received for promoting the app and the manner in which the funds were used.
Back in May, Telangana Police registered a case against 25 well-known actors, including Daggubati and Prakash Raj, over alleged links to the promotion of online betting platforms.
Officials suggest that more notices could be issued as the investigation deepens, with multiple apps accused of defrauding users and investors of crores of rupees.
