“Do not ruin your life by falling into the trap of betting,” cautioned the Hyderabad Police as they ramp up efforts to combat illegal gambling activities ahead of the IPL season.
With the cricketing frenzy just around the corner, the police have issued a stark warning against betting syndicates that have resurfaced in new forms, despite previous bans on numerous betting apps. V.C. Sajjanar, the police commissioner, emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, “We will take strict action against social media influencers who promote these dangerous apps just for money.”
The resurgence of illegal betting has been alarming, with local bookies increasingly targeting the youth, pushing them into crippling debt. “Do not put your family’s future at risk,” Sajjanar urged, highlighting the devastating impact of gambling on families.
Fraudsters have been leveraging popular social media platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram to lure unsuspecting users into betting scams. The police are actively monitoring both online operations and offline betting networks to curb these activities.
In response to the growing threat, the Hyderabad Police have encouraged citizens to report any suspicious betting activity immediately. “If you know anyone involved in betting, please report it immediately to Dial 100 and WhatsApp 94906 16555,” Sajjanar added, reinforcing the community’s role in tackling this issue.
Despite the government’s previous efforts to ban hundreds of betting apps, the allure of online gambling remains strong, particularly with enticing offers from various platforms. For instance, Parimatch is currently promoting a staggering 1000% welcome bonus up to ₹70,000 for IPL 2026, while other apps like Stake and Betvibe are also luring users with attractive bonuses.
However, the police are determined to take strict action against anyone found facilitating or promoting these illegal activities. “Strict action will be taken against those involved in online and offline gambling,” a police spokesperson confirmed.
As the IPL season approaches, the Hyderabad Police’s warning serves as a crucial reminder for citizens to remain cautious and informed about the risks associated with betting apps. The ongoing battle against illegal gambling is not just a police matter; it requires community involvement to protect vulnerable individuals from falling prey to these scams.
With the stakes high and the potential for financial ruin looming, the message from the Hyderabad Police is clear: stay away from betting apps and report any suspicious activity.
