Goa police make 45 arrests in Indian Premier League gambling crackdown
Police in the Indian state of Goa have arrested 45 people in the latest crackdown on illegal online gambling during the Indian Premier League season.
The operation, which took place in four separate locations, followed intelligence that indicated betting agents were taking online bets from hotel rooms during games.
Along with the arrests, several laptops and smartphones were confiscated, and these will now be analyzed at the Forensic Science Laboratory in Verna. Goa police have also been liaising with forces in the state of Gujurat, from where it is believed most of the suspects traveled.
Police sources said that they believe the arrests made so far represent only a fraction of the problem, and that gambling is rampant throughout Goa.
“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,” a police officer told O Heraldo.
The agents operate on behalf of bookies using international and illegal online sites, and investigations are ongoing as police attempt to track down the ringleaders.
Goa is one of only three Indian states where casino gambling is legal and has 16 casino venues.
Betting on sport, however, remains illegal, and the Indian Premier League, the world’s most popular cricket competition, is heavily targeted by bookmakers and their agents.
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