As of July 15, 2025, Mahadev Book remains a polarizing name in India’s online betting landscape. Touted as one of the country’s largest betting platforms, it has drawn millions with its extensive offerings but faces severe backlash due to legal troubles and allegations of illicit activities. This blog post provides an updated look at Mahadev Book, its features, controversies, and the risks users face, reflecting the latest developments as of 11:35 PM IST on July 15, 2025.

What is Mahadev Book?

Mahadev Book positions itself as a premier online betting platform in India, serving over 1 million users with access to 60,000+ live events monthly. It offers a broad spectrum of betting options, including sports like cricket, football, tennis, and kabaddi, alongside casino games such as poker, Teen Patti, roulette, and slots. Key features include:

• User-Friendly Interface: A mobile-friendly design with instant betting IDs for quick access.

• Live Betting: Real-time wagering on ongoing matches, particularly popular for cricket.

• Secure Transactions: Claims to use advanced encryption for payments via UPI, PhonePe, GPay, and net banking.

• 24/7 Support: Assistance through WhatsApp, email, and live chat.

• Promotions: Attractive bonuses like deposit matches to lure new users.

The platform operates on a franchise model with a 70-30 profit-sharing structure, enabling rapid expansion through sub-bookies managing local operations. At its peak, it reportedly generated ₹200 crore daily.

Why Mahadev Book Attracts Users

Mahadev Book’s appeal lies in its comprehensive offerings tailored to Indian bettors:

• Cricket-Centric Focus: With cricket’s massive following in India, the platform provides live odds, player statistics, and real-time updates for domestic and international matches.

• Diverse Markets: From sports to casino games, it caters to varied gambling preferences.

• Accessibility and Speed: Instant IDs and fast withdrawals address user demands for convenience.

• Engaging Features: Live betting and competitive odds keep users hooked.

These elements have made Mahadev Book a household name among Indian bettors, despite its controversial status.

Legal Controversies and Investigations

Mahadev Book’s operations have been under intense scrutiny by the Indian Enforcement Directorate (ED) since 2023. Key allegations include:

• Illegal Betting Syndicate: The ED claims Mahadev Book facilitated betting on sports, casino games, and even elections, amassing revenues estimated at ₹5,000–40,000 crore. A complex network of benami bank accounts allegedly laundered these funds.

• Organized Crime Links: Authorities have connected the platform to organized crime, including alleged ties to Dawood Ibrahim’s network, and accused it of match-fixing in sports events.

• Franchise Model Concerns: The 70-30 profit-sharing model with thousands of franchisees reportedly enabled widespread money laundering.

• Government Ban: In November 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) banned Mahadev Book and 21 other illegal betting apps, a restriction still in place as of July 15, 2025.

The platform, allegedly run by Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal from Dubai, has drawn further attention due to its high-profile connections. Politicians and Bollywood celebrities have been questioned in the ongoing ED probe. Recent developments in 2025, such as the ED booking 29 celebrities for endorsing illegal betting apps like Junglee Rummy and Lotus365, signal a broader crackdown on unregulated platforms, reinforcing concerns about Mahadev Book’s operations. Additionally, Telangana’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed to tackle online betting, underscores the government’s focus on curbing such platforms.

Risks for Users

Engaging with Mahadev Book poses significant risks:

• Legal Repercussions: Online betting is heavily regulated in India, with states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh enforcing strict anti-gambling laws “‘Gambling Laws in India 2023,’ Legal Service India, accessed July 15, 2025.”. Using an illegal platform could lead to fines or legal action.

• Financial Vulnerability: Allegations of money laundering and lack of regulatory oversight raise concerns about the safety of users’ funds.

• Data Privacy Issues: Unregulated platforms may lack robust security, risking exposure of personal and financial information.

• Addiction Potential: Live betting and easy access can foster compulsive gambling, leading to financial distress.

Responsible Gambling: Safer Alternatives

The Mahadev Book scandal highlights the need for responsible gambling practices. Bettors should:

• Choose Licensed Platforms: Opt for sites regulated by recognized authorities, such as Mostbet, 1Win, 10CRIC, Dafabet, or 4rabet, which comply with Indian laws “‘Top 10 Legal Betting Sites in India,’ BettingGuide, July 2025.”.

• Ensure Security: Verify platforms use SSL encryption and transparent payment policies.

• Set Limits: Establish budgets and time caps to prevent excessive gambling.

• Stay Informed: Monitor regulatory updates, as India’s betting laws are evolving rapidly.

Conclusion

Mahadev Book’s extensive betting options and user-centric features have made it a popular choice among Indian bettors, particularly for cricket enthusiasts. However, its ban by MeitY in 2023 and ongoing ED investigations as of July 15, 2025, reveal serious issues, including alleged money laundering and ties to organized crime. These controversies underscore the risks of using unregulated platforms. Bettors should prioritize legal, transparent alternatives and practice responsible gambling to enjoy the thrill of betting safely. Always verify a platform’s legal status before engaging to avoid legal and financial pitfalls.