Online betting apps row: Vijay Devarakonda only endorsed legal skill-based games, says PR team

Hyderabad: A day after a case was registered against actor Vijay Devarakonda and 24 other Tollywood actors for allegedly promoting betting apps, the PR team of Vijay Devarakonda stated that the actor’s contract ended in 2023 and that the actor only endorsed legally recognised skill-based games, not games of chance.

Hyderabad Police intensified their efforts to crack a whip on the social media influencers for allegedly promoting online betting apps.

Had only endorsed skill games, says Vijay Deverakonda’s team

The team, in a public statement, stated that his endorsement contract ended in 2023, and he is no longer associated with the brand. According to the statement issued, Vijay Deverakonda had officially entered into a contract with a company solely for the limited purpose of serving as a brand ambassador for skill-based games. His endorsement was strictly confined to regions and territories where online skill-based games are legally permitted.

Difference between skill games and games based on chance

It is important to clarify that skill-based games, including online games such as rummy, have been repeatedly recognised by the Supreme Court of India as distinct from gambling or gaming. The court has upheld that such games involve skill rather than chance, making them legally permissible.

“Vijay Deverakonda’s legal team and agencies carefully review all associations before entering into any agreements. After a thorough legal review, he agreed to endorse the skill-based gaming platform A23, ensuring that his association aligned with the law standards. However, his endorsement term ended in 2023, and he is no longer associated with the brand,” the statement read.

The team clarified that Vijay Deverakonda’s past endorsement of a legally recognised skill-based gaming company was completely lawful.

Thousands of crores involved

According to the Miyapur police, Rana, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, Vijay Devarakonda and Pranitha, another 18 social media influencers have been promoting betting apps. The apps appear to be targeting young adults and the general public, making gambling easily accessible.

These platforms are actively promoting their services through social media channels and unregulated advertising, which further exacerbates the problem. The complainant suspects thousands of crores of money involved in these online betting apps. He appealed to the authorities to take swift action to investigate and shut down these illegal betting operations.