Karnataka sees drop in online betting cases, but concerns over banned apps persist

Bengaluru: Cases related to online betting in Karnataka have dropped significantly, with a 30% decline statewide and a 35 per cent decrease in Bengaluru from 2023 to 2024, according to data from the Home Department.

However, concerns remain that gamblers are turning to banned applications to evade detection.

In 2024, Karnataka reported 348 online betting cases, 145 fewer than the 493 cases registered in 2023. Bengaluru recorded a sharper decline, with 109 cases in 2024 compared to 169 the previous year.

Despite the reduction, online betting remains a serious issue, with six suicides linked to gambling losses reported in 2024, five of them in Bengaluru.

Home Minister G Parameshwara announced during the Belagavi session that the state government has approached the Supreme Court to reinstate amendments to the Karnataka Police Act, which imposed a ban on online gaming.

Investigators and senior police officers point out that banning apps alone is insufficient, as unregistered and banned applications resurface on the internet through APK files and Telegram groups.

“Despite the ban, many applications have returned as APK files and are being widely advertised on Telegram,” a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) explained.

Betting during IPL

During the IPL 2024 season, the Cubbon Park police arrested four people caught live betting inside the stadium. Investigations revealed the use of banned platforms like 95BE, Gold365.site, and Laser247, as noted in FIRs reviewed by DH.

The Karnataka CID has been actively identifying and removing Telegram groups promoting these apps. However, the platforms continue to reappear, posing a persistent challenge.

Gambling-related crimes

The police are also addressing the rise in crimes linked to gambling.

In September, the Bommanahalli police arrested a 22-year-old for allegedly stealing gold from his own home to fund his gambling habit.

“Many young gamblers resort to theft to repay loans taken for online betting. This is a growing concern,” said an officer familiar with such cases.

Focus areas

The state government aims to curb suicides linked to online betting, while law enforcement is working to limit crimes committed by gamblers.