In a worrying trend for Telangana, a rising number of citizens are being ensnared by illegal online betting platforms, lured by false promises of quick riches. Despite a state-wide ban and repeated police warnings, the menace has grown exponentially, resulting in staggering financial losses for victims across the region.
Alarming Spike in Complaints and Financial Ruin
Official data from the Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) paints a grim picture. The bureau has registered 678 complaints from victims in 2025 so far. This marks a near 100% increase from the 383 complaints recorded in the previous year, 2024.
The monetary damage is even more severe. In a shocking leap, the total financial loss reported by victims has skyrocketed to Rs 9.57 crore in 2025. This represents a massive 177% surge from the Rs 3.45 crore lost in 2024. Over the last three years, residents of Telangana have collectively been defrauded of a staggering Rs 16.73 crore through these illicit online betting schemes.
Police Crackdown and Fresh Awareness Drive
This surge persists despite ongoing enforcement and awareness initiatives by the Telangana police. While online betting has been prohibited in the state for years, and the Union government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Betting Bill in August 2025, the problem continues to escalate.
In response, the TGCSB has initiated a new awareness campaign under its statewide initiative 'Fraud Ka Full Stop'. This week-long drive, conducted in partnership with The Times of India as the official media partner, aims to educate the public not only about betting scams but also about other cyber threats like ransomware and hacking.
Shikha Goel, Director of TGCSB, appealed to the public to steer clear of these platforms. She explained that these illegal operators use manipulative designs to ensure users lose money. "Aggressive and misleading marketing tactics, including sign-up bonuses and 'earn-while-you-play' schemes promoted on social media, are used to promise easy money," Goel stated. She highlighted that victims are typically approached through channels like WhatsApp, Telegram, and web advertisements.
Blocking Platforms and the Road Ahead
The cyber security bureau has been actively working to disrupt these illegal operations. In 2025 alone, authorities have blocked 148 illegal betting platforms. Over the past three years, the total number of platforms blocked stands at 221.
Officials revealed that the TGCSB has requested the blocking of 615 gaming platforms in total. While many have been taken down, several others are still in the pipeline for action, indicating the scale of the challenge.
The situation underscores a critical need for continued public vigilance. As enforcement agencies ramp up their efforts, citizens are urged to recognize the risks and report any suspicious online betting offers, protecting themselves from significant financial and emotional distress.
