The report stated that just four betting platforms—Parimatch, Stake, 1xBet, and Battery Bet—received 1.6 billion visits in just three months, between October and December 2024. Social media platforms like Facebook, Meta, and Telegram drove 42.8 million visits to these four platforms during the same period.

“This traffic stems from direct paid advertisements, such as those from Facebook Ad Network, promoted content, influencer marketing, and social media engagement campaigns,” the report said.
Illegal betting app operators aggressively use search engine optimisation tactics to ensure their platforms appear in searches like “best IPL betting site” or “online casino without KYC.” Illegal operators also heavily use communication platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram for promotion. Influencers with millions of followers leverage WhatsApp channels to broadcast gambling advertisements, the report stated.
Speaking to CNBC-TV, Arvind Gupta, the Founder of the Digital India Foundation, said that the bulk of these illegal betting apps could be used to launder money and channel it into illegal activities, including the funding of elections abroad.

He further stated that many Indian nationals often fall victim to fraud on such sites, and due to the large number of mule accounts, it is difficult to trace the destination of the betting proceeds.

The report states that until recently, Meta was hosting 1,040 ads related to gambling and betting on its various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. Gupta said that it was important for the government to work with social media companies to adopt a comprehensive, ecosystem-based approach that goes beyond website blocking.

The report recommended that social media companies should be held liable for advertising such illegal betting and gambling platforms and that accepting payments for such advertisements should be banned. Additionally, any influencers who promote illegal gambling sites and apps should also be immediately banned.

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