Sonu Sood summoned by ED in 1xBet illegal betting app probe

Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the ongoing probe into the illegal betting app 1xBet case . Officials confirmed that Sood has been directed to appear before investigators at the ED headquarters in New Delhi on September 24, 2025 .

The case has drawn widespread attention as the ED continues its crackdown on online betting platforms that operate illegally in India under the guise of surrogate advertising. Alongside Sonu Sood, names of several prominent figures, including actress Urvashi Rautela and former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina , have surfaced for their alleged promotional associations with these platforms.

Betting Apps Under Scanner

Betting platforms like 1xBet are banned in India, but many operate through surrogate companies with slightly altered names such as 1xBat or 1xBat Sporting Lines . These apps often promote themselves through celebrity endorsements, sports sponsorships, and advertisements containing QR codes that redirect users to actual betting sites.

According to officials, this practice directly violates Indian gambling laws, as online betting is prohibited in most states. The ED is examining money trails, sponsorship deals, and the role of public figures in indirectly encouraging people to use such apps.

Spotlight on Sonu Sood

Sonu Sood, who rose to fame for his impactful on-screen performances and later gained nationwide respect for his humanitarian work during the COVID-19 pandemic , now finds himself at the center of this controversy. The actor has not yet issued a public statement regarding the ED summons, but sources say the probe will focus on his alleged promotional links with the betting app.