New Delhi:
The phrase flashes openly across Telegram groups and betting chats on social media as online IPL betting networks continue to thrive in the shadows of India’s biggest cricket tournament.
From Telegram links and WhatsApp forwards to direct promotional calls, betting platforms are aggressively targeting users during the IPL season, luring them in with bonus offers, referral schemes and easy sign-ups.
“I am Rahul from Playguru sports betting app. I want to inform you about the exclusive offer during IPL. Make a Rs 500 deposit for up to Rs 25,000 match bonus,” one such caller said.
The pitch remains largely the same across platforms – easy money, quick winnings and high-return bets during the IPL season.
Many such apps promise assured profits and instant rewards to draw users, just like in any other online gaming or betting operation. But for many users, the cycle often ends in repeated losses, mounting debts and gambling addiction. Investigators in many instances have also linked gambling-driven financial distress to cases of crime, self-harm and cyber fraud.
Once installed, these apps resemble ordinary gaming platforms but work as sophisticated betting exchanges. Earlier, betting was largely limited to predicting match outcomes, but users can now engage in micro-betting throughout the game. Bets can be placed on almost every moment, the next wicket, boundary, runs in an over or even the result of a single delivery.
About the Author
