Police in Hyderabad have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 25 celebrities and influencers, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and Vijay Deverakonda, for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps. The case was filed at Miyapur Police Station following complaints that these public figures accepted money to endorse betting platforms, influencing societal gambling habits.
In this backdrop, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and Vijay Deverakonda Issued Clarifications.
Prakash Raj
“I made the mistake of promoting such apps long ago and realized my mistake a year later and terminated the contract. It was a long back. I urge all the youth to not be influenced by such apps.”
Rana Daggubati
Here is an official statement from PR team of Rana.
“This is to clarify that Rana Daggubati entered into a contract with a company to act as a brand ambassador for skill-based games, which expired in 2017.
His endorsement was strictly limited to regions where online skill-based games were legally permitted.
Rana Daggubati’s legal team thoroughly reviews all partnerships before any agreements are made. After a careful legal review, he agreed to endorse the platform, ensuring full compliance with the law.
This press note is being issued to address any misconceptions and to confirm that Rana Daggubati’s endorsement of a legal and skill-based gaming platform was fully compliant with the law. It is essential to highlight these online games, have been recognized by the Supreme Court of India as distinct from gambling. The Court has ruled that these games are based on skill, not chance, and are therefore legally allowed.”
Vijay Deverakonda
“This is to inform the public and all concerned parties that Mr. 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. It is important to clarify that skill-based games, including online games such as rummy, have been repeatedly recognized by the Honourable 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.
Mr. Vijay Deverakonda’s legal team and agencies carefully review all associations before entering into any agreements. After a thorough legal review, he had 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.”
