Indian authorities charge Pakistan-linked betting platform
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), a law enforcement and economic intelligence agency of the Government of India, on 18 January said it has filed a chargesheet against online betting website Magicwin, naming 14 individuals and companies as accused in a money laundering case. The federal probe agency said the platform was operated by Pakistani nationals based in the United Arab Emirates and was involved in illegal betting, unauthorised sports streaming and laundering of funds through hawala channels and cryptocurrencies.
Chargesheet filed under PMLA
The ED said the prosecution complaint, which is equivalent to a chargesheet, was filed on 15 January before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The case was registered following an FIR by the Ahmedabad cybercrime police.
The agency said the investigation revealed large-scale financial transactions linked to illegal online betting activities carried out through the Magicwin website and its mobile application.
Case linked to illegal streaming of ICC matches
According to the ED, the money laundering probe stems from allegations of unauthorised hosting, streaming and broadcasting of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 matches. The FIR alleged that Magicwin illegally streamed the matches despite exclusive broadcasting rights being granted to Star India Pvt. Ltd by the International Cricket Council.
The agency said the platform allowed users to watch live matches along with live scorecards while placing bets, which increased user engagement and betting volumes.
Company structure and foreign directors
Magicwin Sports Ltd, which owns the Magicwin brand and portal, is registered in the United Kingdom, the Enforcement Directorate said. The agency identified Pakistani nationals Gulab Harji Mal and Omesh Kumar Gurnani as the directors of the company.
According to the probe agency, both directors are currently based in the United Arab Emirates. The ED said the foreign-based management played a key role in controlling and operating the betting platform.
Betting exchange and live casino operations
The ED said Magicwin functioned like a betting exchange and offered a wide range of sports betting and leisure gambling services. These included betting on cricket, tennis, football and horse racing.
The platform also provided live casino services, the agency said. Users could participate in games such as Baccarat, Teen Patti, Roulette, Andar-Bahar, Poker and Blackjack. The games were conducted by live dealers rather than automated bots, according to the investigation.
The agency added that the platform used mule bank accounts to route transactions and conceal the origin of funds.
Use of cryptocurrency
The ED said funds generated through betting activities were diverted using hawala networks and cryptocurrencies. These methods were allegedly used to move money outside the formal banking system and avoid regulatory checks.
The agency also said that several celebrities and social media influencers had promoted the Magicwin platform, helping it attract users despite its illegal status in India.
Online betting ban in India
India banned real-money online gaming and betting in 2025, calling it a financial and social threat. Authorities said such platforms drain users’ money, particularly affecting young people.
The ED said the Magicwin case highlights ongoing enforcement action against illegal online betting networks operating across borders and using digital platforms to target Indian users.
The investigation is ongoing, and further action will be taken based on evidence gathered during the probe.
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