Tollywood Stars Clarify Stance Amid Betting App Promotion Allegations
Amid a growing controversy surrounding endorsements of gaming and betting applications, prominent Tollywood actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and Vijay Devarakonda have clarified their positions following an FIR filed against several celebrities and influencers in Telangana. The allegations stem from promotional activities related to online gaming apps deemed illegal under state law.
Clarifications from Actors on Gaming App Promotions
Rana Daggubati stated through his public relations team that his association with a skill-based gaming platform ended in 2017. He emphasized that the brand campaigns were conducted in regions where such platforms were legal and that all promotional contracts were vetted by legal experts to ensure compliance. He further noted that the Supreme Court of India has legally recognized certain online games as skill-based, not gambling.
Vijay Devarakonda also issued a clarification through his team, confirming his past role as a brand ambassador for the online platform A23. His team maintained that A23 operates under legal parameters and that his contract had ended last year, thus ending his affiliation with the company. The team reiterated that the games promoted were classified as skill-based by legal standards.
Veteran actor Prakash Raj took to social media to address his involvement with a gaming app in 2016. He admitted to endorsing it for a year but chose not to renew the contract after gaining more clarity about the app’s nature. He also issued a warning to the public, especially youth, to avoid getting trapped by online betting platforms that could negatively affect their lives.
Legal Investigation and Public Accountability
The Cyberabad police had registered an FIR against 25 individuals under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Telangana State Gaming Act, and the Information Technology Act. Authorities claim the promotions lured users into potentially harmful financial ventures. The Telangana State Gaming Act strictly prohibits online betting, regardless of whether platforms operate on skill-based models or not.
Ongoing Concerns and Public Scrutiny
This development has triggered a wider conversation about celebrity endorsements and their legal and ethical boundaries. While the actors have denied any current association with illegal platforms, the case underscores the need for more transparency and regulation in the digital gaming endorsement space.
As the investigation proceeds, the spotlight remains on how public figures navigate promotional deals and the impact such endorsements have on public perception and behavior.
