Betting App Controversy: Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati Defend Legal Validity of Endorsements

Swift Summary

• Allegations arose against actor Rana Daggubati for promoting illegal betting apps; his team clarified that endorsements were legally compliant and limited to skill-based games permitted in certain regions.
• Rana’s legal team ensured compliance by thoroughly reviewing all partnerships before agreements, citing Supreme Court rulings distinguishing skill-based games from gambling.
• Actor vijay Deverakonda similarly stated his endorsements were strictly confined to legally recognized skill-based gaming platforms in jurisdictions were such activities are permissible under law.
• Telangana police filed an FIR against 25 celebrities and influencers, including Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi, for allegedly promoting illegal gambling apps.
• The FIR was initiated after a complaint claimed youth had been influenced into investing money in these apps due to social media advertisements by celebrities.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The controversy surrounding celebrity endorsements of online gaming platforms highlights the need for clear legal frameworks governing such partnerships. Both Rana Daggubati and Vijay Deverakonda have cited compliance with laws recognizing skill-based games as distinct from gambling. The distinction made by India’s Supreme Court is significant because it places these games within a legal ambit based on their dependence on user ability rather than chance.

However, the filing of an FIR involving multiple public figures indicates broader concerns about potential misuse or misrepresentation in marketing practices. For India, this case underscores the importance of regulatory oversight over digital advertising and endorsement accountability to protect consumers-especially vulnerable groups like youth-from misinformation or financial exploitation.Whether law enforcement can establish breaches remains pivotal for how celebrity roles in promotion are scrutinized moving forward.