Two online gambling-related arrests made during Indian Premier League
Two men were arrested at an Indian Premier League match in Motera in the Indian state of Gujarat for allegedly betting online.
The arrests occurred Saturday during the IPL game between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
In the first incident, Chandkheda police said a man was spotted using a mobile phone at the game. When they investigated, they found that he had been logged into a betting site and placing bets on the live game.
In the second incident, police were tipped off about a man using his mobile phone while seated in a premium stadium section. The man, who police say was from Maninagar, also had been placing bets online.
In both cases, mobile phones were seized and charges were filed. Police say they are investigating whether there was any link between the incidents and wider illegal gambling networks.
Gambling on sports events is banned in the state of Gujarat under the provisions of the Gujarat Prevention of Gambling Act of 1887.
The Indian Premier League is the wealthiest and most-watched cricket league in the world but has been privy to gambling-related scandals in recent years.
Most notably, in 2015, IPL cricket teams Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were banned for two years after they were found guilty of online betting and match-fixing.
Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
