A major online cricket betting network was busted in Rayalaseema.
Kurnool: Rayalaseema has become the largest hub of illegal cricket betting in Andhra Pradesh. Organized gambling networks have made cities like Adoni, Nandyal, and Proddatur in the region the main hubs for betting.
Police say that with the IPL underway, daily betting activity is increasing even in smaller towns, often involving transactions worth lakhs of rupees through online platforms.
According to officials, the betting network operates in a highly structured manner, with a Dubai-based app at its center. An administrator centered in Proddatur is believed to be managing operations across the state, supported by “super masters” stationed in Kurnool, Nellore, Hyderabad, and Ongole. Under them are several “masters” and “funders” who handle daily betting transactions and recruit new users.
A senior police officer, who recently conducted a raid in Kadapa, said, “The entire network is hierarchically structured. A Dubai-based app controls everything. Crores of rupees are changing hands through these online platforms.” He added that their current focus is on identifying specific funders and targeting the main administrators.
Investigators say that betting is no longer limited to major tournaments like the IPL. A Kurnool police officer said, “Even local ‘county’ matches are being used to run daily betting accounts.” In a recent operation, Kadapa police arrested a local betting operator and seized approximately ₹1.8 million in cash, highlighting the high level of activity even at the city level.
Police reported that users are often lured by fake team names such as “Rayachoti Kings,” “Rajampet Royals,” and “Kurnool Super Giants.” Officials clarified that these names are merely labels used by bookmakers to create betting groups. A particularly risky trend among young people is the “super-over” betting system, in which large sums are wagered on a single over.
In a recent case, a B.Tech student from Madanapalle reportedly lost ₹20,000 in a single bet. Police sources, shedding light on the growing impact of betting on young people, said, “He told his family how the entire amount disappeared within minutes.”
Kurnool Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil warned, “Under the guise of IPL and local county matches, these people are luring and defrauding innocent youth. We will take strict action against such individuals under the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act.”
Echoing similar concerns, Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen said, “The entire betting system operates in layers, with Dubai at the top and several levels of handlers below. Only the organizers make money, while everyone else loses.”
The DIG said that if anyone sees such activity, they should immediately dial 112 or 100 or inform the control room. Praveen said, “We are determined to dismantle these networks and spread awareness that cricket betting is ultimately a losing game.”
Cases registered for cricket betting in different districts
District Name Cases Arrests Cash Seized (in ₹)
Kadapa 32 68 38 lakh
Nandyal 26 54 32 lakh
Anantapur 18 41 28 lakh
Kurnool 21 46 90 lakh
Tirupati 14 29 18 lakh
Chittoor 12 25 9 lakh
Prakasam 11 23 8 lakh
Guntur 15 32 13 lakh
Vijayawada 17 36 16 lakh
