By Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Rana Daggubati Respond to Legal Betting App Allegations
The Cyberabad police in Telangana have registered cases (on Promoting Betting App) against 25 individuals, including renowned Telugu film actors and social media influencers, for allegedly promoting illegal gambling and betting platforms. Among those named in the case are popular actors such as Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Pranitha, and Nidhi Agarwal. While most of the accused celebrities have yet to comment on the allegations, actors Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Rana Daggubati have responded with official statements.
Veteran actor Prakash Raj addressed the issue in a nearly two-minute-long video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account. He acknowledged featuring in an advertisement for a betting app nearly nine years ago but clarified that he chose not to renew his contract due to ethical concerns. He also stated that he became aware of the police complaint through social media. “I haven’t received any summons or official notice from the police yet, but whenever I do, I will respond responsibly,” he assured.
Prakash Raj further explained the circumstances surrounding his endorsement. “In June 2016, Junglee Rummy approached me for a gaming app advertisement, and I agreed to it. However, within a few months, I realized it wasn’t right. Unfortunately, I was bound by a one-year contract.” When the contract expired, he decided against further promotion. “I declined to continue because my conscience didn’t accept it. That was nine years ago, and since then, I have not endorsed any online gambling platforms.”
He also pointed out that in 2021, snippets from his old advertisement reappeared when the app changed ownership. “In 2021, the app was reportedly sold to a new entity that used some of my old footage on social media. We immediately sent them a legal notice and an email, clarifying that I was no longer associated with it and that they had no right to use my image. After that, they stopped.”
Concluding his statement, Prakash Raj reiterated his stance against betting apps and urged young people to avoid gambling, stating, “I strongly advise young people to stay away from gambling, as it can ruin lives. Say no to betting apps.”
Meanwhile, Vijay Deverakonda’s team also released a statement addressing the allegations. They clarified that his endorsements were limited to legally recognized skill-based gaming platforms. “His association was strictly confined to regions where online skill-based gaming is legally permitted.”
The statement further defended his involvement with A23 Rummy by citing legal precedents. “The Honourable Supreme Court of India has repeatedly upheld that games like rummy are skill-based and distinct from gambling. The A23 platform operates within the legal framework, as it relies on skill rather than chance.”
Similarly, Rana Daggubati’s team issued an official clarification regarding his alleged involvement. “Rana Daggubati had a contract to endorse a skill-based gaming platform, which ended in 2017. His promotions were limited to jurisdictions where such games were legally recognized. His legal team thoroughly vetted the partnership to ensure compliance with the law.”
The statement further emphasized that his endorsement adhered to legal guidelines. “This clarification aims to dispel any misconceptions and confirm that Rana Daggubati’s endorsement was in full compliance with the law. It is important to note that the Supreme Court of India has distinguished skill-based online games from gambling, ruling that they are legally permissible.”
According to the Cyberabad police, Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj are accused of endorsing Junglee Rummy through pop-up advertisements, while Vijay Deverakonda allegedly promoted A23 Rummy. Additionally, Lakshmi Manchu is linked to Yolo247, while actresses Pranitha and Nidhi Agarwal are accused of endorsing Fairplay Live and Jeet Win, respectively.
