Telangana Cyberabad police file an FIR against Tollywood actors and influencers for allegedly endorsing unlawful gaming and betting apps, sparking a major crackdown on illegal online gambling
Twenty‑five individuals, including several Tollywood actors and social media influencers, have reportedly come under scrutiny in a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Telangana's Cyberabad police for allegedly endorsing unlawful gaming, betting and casino apps.
The FIR comes after Businessman Phanindra Sarma lodged a cheating complaint under provisions of the Information Technology Act, state legislation and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The FIR names actors such as Prakash Raj, Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, Praneetha, Nidhi Agarwal, Vijay Devarakonda and several others.
On Thursday, actors Vijay Devarakonda, Prakash Raj and Rana Daggubati provided clarifications regarding their involvement.
Authorities received a complaint regarding unlawful casino or betting programmes that misled young adults and the general public into believing they could earn quick money, ultimately resulting in complete financial and mental collapse.
The FIR states that "these platforms are encouraging the public, especially those in dire need of money, to invest their hard‑earned and family money into those apps/websites and will gradually become addicted to them, leading to total financial collapse."
According to the FIR, Daggubati and Raj were involved in using pop‑up advertisements to promote Junglee Rummy, which is owned by the Flutter Entertainment Group. Meanwhile, Praneetha is alleged to have promoted Fairplay Live, Lakshmi supported Yolo247, Agarwal backed Jeet Win and Devarakonda sponsored A23 Rummy.
In recent years, both the central and state governments have increased their efforts to tackle illegal gaming and online betting services. Earlier this week, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Information Technology, informed Parliament that the government ordered digital intermediaries to block 1,298 online gambling websites and apps between 2022 and 2024.
Additionally, the Ministry of Communication and Broadcasting requested last year that influencers and endorsers refrain from promoting or advertising offshore online betting and gaming platforms, including through surrogate advertisements.
Currently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating money laundering allegations against several betting and gambling platforms. Reports indicate that in September, the ED uncovered a money laundering scheme involving kirana businesses using illicit gambling and betting apps. Also, the Center banned over 100 betting sites with ties to China in 2023.
While gaming and betting are generally illegal under the Public Gaming Act of 1867 in most parts of the country, individual states are responsible for establishing their own regulations to govern these activities.