Dubai: Verna police crack down on online gambling during T20 match
Authorities make multiple arrests in connection with illegal betting activities.
Key points:
– Verna police arrested five men allegedly running an online gambling racket during the India-Pakistan T20 Asia Cup match
– Investigators seized numerous electronic devices and financial records indicating high-value transactions and a larger network
Verna police have dismantled an online gambling operation in Sancoale during the India-Pakistan T20 Asia Cup game.
The operation involved five individuals identified as Deepak Karwani (35) from Madhya Pradesh, Manoj Mukhiya (25) and Madan Mukhiya (44) from Bihar and Jagdish Choudhary (40) and Arvind Vishwakarma (25) from Maharashtra.
During the raid, authorities seized 54 mobile phones, seven laptops, two internet routers, a television set, 17 bank passbooks and additional electronic devices.
Police stated these devices were reportedly linked to transactions worth several lakhs of rupees. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the network and to identify other individuals involved in the alleged gambling activities.
The case is part of Verna police’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal gambling in the area. Officials noted that online platforms are increasingly used for betting during major sports events.
Good to know: The India-Pakistan T20 Asia Cup final took place on 28 September 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Police reiterated that gambling-related offences carry legal penalties under Indian law. Recently, India is moving to regulate real-money online gaming with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, which would criminalise operators, advertisers and financial facilitators of such games.
The legislation distinguishes between gambling and esports or casual games, aiming to create a uniform national framework to tackle fraud and gambling-related harms.
This also highlights the broader issue of illegal betting linked to major cricket events. For context, the ED is conducting an ongoing investigation into 1xBet, where former cricketer Robin Uthappa and other celebrities are being questioned over payments and potential proceeds of crime from endorsements.
Gambling Insider delivers the latest industry news, in-depth features, and operator reviews that you can trust. Our team combines rigorous editorial standards with decades of specialized expertise to ensure accuracy and fairness. We are committed to delivering clear, impartial, and dependable coverage across the global gambling sector.
