Illegal Betting Apps Row Explained: What Is The Punishment Accused Vijay, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj And Others Are Facing?

Illegal betting apps controversy: On March 20, an FIR was lodged against 25 celebrities including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Lakshmi Manchu and Vijay Deverakonda for allegedly promoting illegal online gambling platforms. As the matter escalates with the involvement of high-profile names, here’s what the whole case is about.

What is Illegal betting apps controversy about?

As per reports, businessman Phanindra Sarma filed this complaint at the Miyapur Police Station in Hyderabad, alleging that these celebrities promoted illegal betting apps via their social media channels.

In the complaint, filed on March 19, 2025, Sarma stated that these promotions are harmful and claimed the gambling apps are illegal, violating the Public Gambling Act of 1867.

Sarma mentioned that, during conversations with young men in his community, he discovered many had been influenced by these promotions and invested money, risking major losses. The 32-year-old himself considered investing but decided against it after his family warned him about the potential financial risks.

The FIR also accuses the celebrities of accepting substantial payments to endorse these apps, which, according to Sarma, misled the public—particularly financially vulnerable individuals—into gambling, causing addiction and severe monetary losses.

Authorities registered the case under sections 318(4) and 112 read with 49 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), sections 3, 3(A), and 4 of the Telangana Gaming Act, and section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. 

Also Read: Vijay Devarakonda’s Team Issues Clarification After FIR In Illegal Betting Apps Controversy: His Endorsement Was Strictly…

who are the 25 celebrities involved in the betting app controversy?

The list of accused celebrities and influencers includes Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, Vijay Deverakonda, Praneetha, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shoba Shetty, Amrutha Chowdary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padhmavathi, Imran Khan, Vishnu Priya, Harsha Sai, Sunny Yadav, Shyamala, Tasty Teja, and Bandaru Sheshayani Supritha.

As of now, Vijay Deverakonda and Prakash Raj issued clarifications related to their involvement.

Is the controversy related to Allu Arjun ’s arrest?

As per reports, the police have charged the celebrities under several sections of the Telangana State Gaming Act and the Information Technology Act, including Section 66(D), which addresses cheating and identity theft. The FIR also includes accusations of promoting illegal betting activities.

This case is likely to create major controversy within the Telugu film industry, especially as it follows the recent arrest of actor Allu Arjun. In December, the Telangana Police detained the actor after a woman died in a stampede at the Hyderabad premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule. Officials claimed his unscheduled appearance caused overcrowding, with no security arrangements to manage the situation. Allu Arjun was charged under sections 105, 118(1) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) which deals with culpable homicide that does not amount to murder. Even though netizens try to add a link between them, the two cases are from different angles as the sections of both cases have no similarity.

When Ranbir Kapoor , Shraddha Kapoor and other Bollywood celebrities were summoned for the Mahadev betting app

Similar to this case, In 2023, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) uncovered a large network linked to Mahadev Online Book, which facilitated illegal betting on live games like poker, card games, cricket, badminton, and tennis, as well as on Indian elections. The platform also hosted card games such as "Teen Patti", poker, "Dragon Tiger", and virtual cricket games.

The operation relied on websites, private groups on chat apps, and advertised contact numbers to attract participants into illegal betting. The case also brought several Bollywood celebrities into focus as promoters

Reports allege that Ranbir Kapoor acted as a social media influencer for the platform and received payments for promoting the app. Other Bollywood stars, including Shraddha Kapoor, Kapil Sharma, Hina Khan, Huma Qureshi, Tamannaah Bhatia, Badshah, Sanjay Dutt, and Jacqueline Fernandez, were among all who reportedly got summoned for their alleged association with the platform’s promotional activities.