Illegal online gambling: ED Panaji conducts multi-state raids; seizes over Rs 2cr

NEW DELHI: Acting against some casino operators and hoteliers for alleged illegal online gambling activities, Enforcement Directorate ’s Panaji office conducted searches across Goa, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and Rajkot Sunday and Monday. ED seized more than Rs 2 crore in Indian currency, $14,000, cryptocurrency USDT worth Rs 90 lakh, and other foreign currencies worth Rs 8.5 lakh.

“Use of angadia services through crypto wallets to facilitate USDT transfers to Dubai and other locations across the world was unearthed,” the agency said. The searches were targeted primarily at Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd , Worldwide Resorts and Entertainment , and Big Daddy Casino in Goa and on premises of their promoters and beneficiaries.

“Probe revealed rolex777.co, iCasino247.com, play247s.com, Win Daddy , Poker Daddy, among others were promoted by staff of the casino under Golden Globe Hotels,” ED said, adding accused provided poker chips to customers in lieu of foreign currency & winnings were disbursed in foreign currency.