New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against the online betting platform MagicWin, implicating 14 individuals and companies. This action follows India’s 2025 ban on real-money online gaming and betting, which the government described as a financial and social threat, particularly affecting the hard-earned income of young users.
Pakistan Connection Revealed
ED revealed that MagicWin Sports Limited, registered in the United Kingdom, is operated by Pakistani nationals Gulab Harji Mal and Omesh Kumar Gurnani, who reportedly reside in the United Arab Emirates. The platform and its mobile app functioned as a betting exchange, facilitating all types of sports betting and entertainment gambling through fake accounts.
Chargesheet Filed Under PMLA
The prosecution complaint was filed on January 15 before the Special PMLA Court in Ahmedabad, linked to an FIR registered by Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Police. The FIR alleged unauthorized hosting, streaming, and broadcasting of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 matches, whose official rights were held internationally by Star India Private Limited.
MagicWin Live Casino and Sports Betting
According to ED, MagicWin also offered a live casino platform, featuring games such as Baccarat, Teen Patti, Roulette, Andar-Bahar, Poker, and Blackjack, all operated by live dealers rather than automated bots. The website allowed users to place bets on cricket, tennis, football, and horse racing while watching live match streams and scorecards.
Celebrity Promotions and Money Laundering
ED stated that several prominent celebrities and social media influencers promoted MagicWin. Revenue from these betting activities was reportedly routed through hawala networks and cryptocurrency transfers, constituting a money laundering operation under Indian law.
The ED investigation highlights India’s intensified crackdown on illegal online betting platforms, especially those with foreign links, and underscores the government’s focus on protecting users from financial exploitation and social harm.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.