The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against Magicwin, an online betting website whose Pakistani directors are reported to be operating from the United Arab Emirates. The prosecution complaint was submitted on 15 January before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court in Ahmedabad and names 14 individuals and companies as accused.
According to early information reported by The Economic Times, the case originates from an FIR filed by Ahmedabad cyber crime police concerning the unauthorised hosting and streaming of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 matches. Broadcast rights belonged to Star India, but Magicwin allegedly streamed matches without authorisation while simultaneously offering betting markets linked to the games.
Magicwin Sports Ltd., the company behind the platform, is registered in the United Kingdom and lists Pakistani nationals Gulab Harji Mal and Omesh Kumar Gurnani as directors. Investigators believe both individuals are based in the UAE, from where operations were coordinated.
The Enforcement Directorate said Magicwin functioned as a comprehensive betting exchange, providing wagers on cricket, tennis, football and horse racing, alongside a live casino offering games such as Baccarat, Teen Patti, Roulette, Andar-Bahar, Poker and Blackjack.
These were conducted by live dealers rather than automated systems. The website also enabled users to watch match livestreams and scorecards while placing bets.
The agency alleges the platform transacted through mule accounts and diverted proceeds using hawala networks and cryptocurrencies. It added that several celebrities and social media influencers had advertised the service, contributing to its reach among Indian users.
The chargesheet marks a significant step in the federal crackdown on illegal online betting services operating across borders despite India’s 2025 ban.
India banned real-money online gaming and betting in 2025, citing financial and social harm to users, particularly young people
