Saurabh Chandrakar, once a fruit juice vendor in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, now faces serious allegations as the alleged mastermind behind Mahadev Online Book, a large illegal betting operation. This enterprise reportedly generated a daily turnover exceeding Rs 240 crore at its peak. Chandrakar, 31, allegedly established a transnational network from Dubai.

He taking bets from millions of Indian customers and amassing significant wealth for its promoters. However, his operation came to a halt when he was arrested in Muscat, Oman, in June 2023, reportedly for using a forged passport.The Indian investigative agencies view his arrest as a significant breakthrough in a major online betting scandal.

Chandrakar’s rapid ascent to wealth drew attention, particularly following his extravagant wedding in February 2023, where he allegedly spent around Rs 200 crore, hiring Bollywood stars and using chartered flights for guests. This lavish display of wealth became a focal point for investigators looking into suspicious financial activities.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) traced financial transactions linked to Mahadev and its associated brands, revealing a vast betting syndicate operating through numerous local panels across India. The investigation suggested that the operation involved thousands of bank accounts, hawala operators, and overseas entities, with estimated revenues reaching Rs 94,400 crore from Indian customers over a decade.

Growth of Online Betting Platforms

The popularity of online betting platforms can be attributed to their accessibility, allowing users to place bets through smartphones, facilitated by widespread internet access and digital payment options. This shift moved gambling away from traditional bookmakers to digital platforms, creating a booming market.

Two main types of businesses emerged: offshore bookmakers like Mahadev and domestic real-money gaming companies, which offered various games and betting options. Proponents of these platforms argued that many of their offerings are games of skill, distinguishing them from traditional gambling.

This distinction has been supported by judicial rulings, allowing some companies to operate legally in a fragmented regulatory environment across states. Offshore bookmakers, however, exploited this regulatory gap, operating from jurisdictions beyond the reach of Indian law enforcement. By early 2025, the scale of foreign betting activities raised alarms.

A study by the Digital India Foundation reported approximately 1.6 billion visits from India to a select few offshore operators within a three-month period. Concerns grew regarding the social impact of gambling on vulnerable populations, potential tax evasion, and the financial crime aspects tied to money laundering via numerous bank accounts and shell companies.

Regulatory Measures and Ongoing Investigations

The legislation prohibited advertising and promotion of online money games and restricted banks from processing related transactions. Violators faced severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines. The establishment of the Online Gaming Authority of India aimed to oversee the new framework and coordinate actions against unlawful services.

However, the law has faced criticism from domestic gaming companies, which argue it unfairly equates legitimate businesses with illegal operations. Despite the ban, offshore syndicates have adapted, continuing to target Indian players through alternative websites and payment methods.

Investigations into major operators like Parimatch and 1xBet revealed extensive networks of mule accounts used for money laundering. The ED has taken significant steps, including freezing bank accounts and pursuing legal actions against numerous individuals linked to these betting operations.

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