Team Herald
PANJIM: Despite arresting as many as 45 individuals in separate incidents related to illegal online betting on IPL cricket matches this season, Goa Police are still on the lookout for the masterminds behind the operations.
Police sources admit that what has been uncovered so far is just the tip of the iceberg, with online betting rampant across the State and agents accepting bets from
various locations.
These agents are employed by the main bookies, who operate through international mobile apps and dubious websites. However, the kingpins continue to evade arrest.
The crackdown was made possible thanks to local police intelligence, which noticed a pattern: agents would check into hotels and remain confined to their rooms during matches, accepting
bets online.
“To ensure uninterrupted internet connectivity, they would use as many as 10 to 12 laptops and over a dozen smartphones,” a police officer said. Bets are accepted for each delivery and it goes on till the end of each match.
SP North Akshat Kaushal, IPS, stated, “We had received information through our district local intelligence about online IPL cricket match betting, acting on which we conducted raids in areas that come under four
police stations.”
“Based on these raids, cases were registered invoking sections of petty organised crimes, recently brought in by BNS,” Kaushal said.
Kaushal further confirmed that investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected. Taking no chances, the Goa Police are coordinating with counterparts in other States to verify the criminal backgrounds of the arrested individuals, most of whom are from Gujarat.
All seized devices, including smartphones and laptops, have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Verna for examination. “It is a lengthy process, and everything is coded and encrypted. We need to break into the system and decode it,” another officer explained.
The raids indicate a vast and well-organised network. “It’s rampant – just like matka gambling. There are bookies at every nook and cranny because of the huge money involved. Those who make profits often splurge it at the casinos. It becomes part of their flamboyant lifestyle,” the officer added.
Rates are determined on Betfair betting sites. While using such apps is legal in the United Kingdom, in India, citizens can check the odds but are not permitted to place bets.
© heraldgoa-main 2025
Goa Police Arrest 45 in Crackdown on Illegal Online Betting During IPL Season – heraldgoa.in
