Investigation: Alleged Illegal Betting App Involves Actor Vijay Deverakonda, Calls for Legal Appearance
Vijay Deverakonda Quizzed by Enforcement Directorate Over Alleged Endorsement of Illegal Betting Apps
Actor Vijay Deverakonda appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad on August 6, 2025, in a money laundering investigation linked to the promotion of illegal online betting apps by several celebrities in India.
The investigation was triggered by a complaint lodged by 32-year-old businessman PM Phanindra Sarma on March 19 this year. Sarma claimed that he discovered many individuals in his community had invested their money in these gambling apps, which were heavily advertised by social media personalities. The complaint does not specify which celebrities, apart from those mentioned earlier, are involved in this case.
The ED is probing 29 celebrities, including Deverakonda, for allegedly endorsing illegal betting apps that generated illicit funds, violating the Public Gambling Act. However, Deverakonda maintained that he endorsed a legal, skill-based gaming app called A23, which is licensed and government-recognized, not a betting or gambling app. He provided detailed financial and transactional information to the ED, who reportedly found his explanation satisfactory.
The investigation highlights the legal risks celebrities face when promoting betting or gaming apps in India, especially those operating in legal gray areas or violating state laws. The ED's crackdown targets endorsements allegedly used as a front to launder money generated by illegal betting.
Several public figures across film, TV, and social media spheres are under scrutiny, emphasizing stricter regulatory oversight on gambling promotion through celebrity endorsements. The case reflects growing regulatory attention on the intersection of celebrity endorsements and online gambling in India, focusing on preventing the misuse of such promotions for money laundering and illegal betting operations.
It is important to note that the complaint does not mention any potential legal consequences for the celebrities if found guilty. Furthermore, the complaint does not mention any response from the celebrities named in the case.
This timeline provides a summary of the events:
- July 2025: FIRs were filed in multiple states against celebrities endorsing betting platforms suspected of laundering money through illegal gambling activities.
- Late July 2025: Vijay Deverakonda was officially summoned by the ED for questioning.
- August 6, 2025: He appeared before the ED in Hyderabad and was questioned for over four hours regarding his association with the gaming platform.
- The probe includes other actors like Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj, who have also been summoned for similar questioning.
In a statement, Deverakonda clarified that there is no witch-hunting or political motivation in this case. He stated that he did not pursue the activities on moral grounds and did not receive any money. It is worth noting that this case does not mention any further investigation or action taken by the ED in this regard.
[1] Times of India, "Vijay Deverakonda questioned by ED in money laundering case," August 6, 2025. [2] Hindustan Times, "Vijay Deverakonda appears before ED in money laundering case," August 6, 2025. [3] The New Indian Express, "Vijay Deverakonda clarifies on ED summon," August 7, 2025. [4] The Indian Express, "Vijay Deverakonda appears before ED in money laundering case," August 6, 2025.
- The ED's investigation into the endorsement of illegal betting apps by celebrities in India has also extended to the gaming sector, as actor Vijay Deverakonda defended his association with a legal, skill-based gaming app called A23.
- The sports world isn't the only realm where celebrities can get embroiled in money laundering investigations; in this case, the Enforcement Directorate is investigating allegations against 29 celebrities, including film stars Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj.
- General-news outlets and crime-and-justice reports have been covering the financial aspect of entertainment, with the ED questioning celebrities over their involvement in illegal betting apps, leading to business concerns in the gambling industry.
- As the investigation into the alleged endorsement of illegal betting apps by celebrities unfolds, the sports realm receives a reprieve as Vijay Deverakonda makes it clear that he endorsed a legal gaming app, not a gambling or betting app.
- The ED's probe has revealed that celebrity endorsements in India can pose legal risks for public figures, as social media influencers and celebrities across various industries are scrutinized for promoting products in legal gray areas or against state laws.
