While some platforms operate legally in certain states, others run in areas where such activities face ban, raising questions about celebrity endorsements and their responsibility.
Image Source: Instagram
Actor Manchu Lakshmi appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday for questioning in connection with an investigation into alleged illegal betting app promotions.
The ED had recently summoned Lakshmi as part of its ongoing probe into suspected money laundering linked to these online platforms. She is one of several well-known faces to face probe in the matter.
Advertisement
Actors Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Rana Daggubati have also appeared for questioning in the same case.
Advertisement
Vijay Deverakonda’s team has already issued a clarification, stating that the actor had signed a contract to serve as a brand ambassador for a company that operated skill-based games. According to the statement, his endorsement was only in regions where such games have legal permit.
“His endorsement was strictly confined to regions and territories where online skill-based games are legally permitted,” the statement read.
Prakash Raj also addressed the matter through a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle. He admitted that he had worked on an advertisement for a gaming app back in 2016 but stopped after realising it did not feel right to him, even if it was technically legal.
“Within a few months, my conscience told me it wasn’t right. I finished my one-year contract but refused to renew it,” he said.
The controversy stems from a First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the Telangana police against 25 celebrities and influencers. The complaint, filed at the Miyapur Police Station in Hyderabad by 32-year-old businessman PM Phanindra Sarma, accuses the individuals of promoting illegal betting and gambling apps on their social media platforms.
These apps have faced growing scrutiny in recent years over their alleged role in encouraging gambling under the guise of online games.
While some platforms operate legally in certain states, others run in areas where such activities face ban, raising questions about celebrity endorsements and their responsibility in influencing audiences.
The ED’s investigation reportedly focuses on tracking money flow between the app companies and celebrities, determining whether funds routed through illegal channels.
As of now, there are no arrests, and the celebrities involved have maintained that their contracts were for skill-based games in permitted territories.
Advertisement
