Hyderabad, August 7, 2025 — Tollywood actor Vijay Deverakonda was questioned for over four-and-a-half hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged promotion of illegal betting apps. However, the actor clarified that he was summoned regarding a legal gaming app, not a betting platform.
“Gaming Apps Are Legal”: Vijay Deverakonda Clarifies
Addressing the media after his session at the ED’s regional office, Deverakonda said,
“I endorsed a gaming app that is legally recognised, licensed, and approved by the government. There is a difference between gaming and betting apps.”
He explained that he shared account, company, and financial transaction details with the officials, who, according to him, appeared “satisfied” with his cooperation. When asked about the inaccessibility of the A23 app (which he endorsed), he pointed out that it is geo-restricted, meaning its usage is blocked in states like Telangana, where local laws prohibit such platforms.
“Legal apps have geo-location locks. They function only in states where they are permitted,” he stated, adding that courts and governments ultimately decide the legality of such platforms.
Prakash Raj Also Quizzed
Veteran actor Prakash Raj was questioned by the ED on July 30 for nearly five hours. He informed officials that he did not accept any payment for the single advertisement he did in 2016 for a gaming app, stating that his conscience later guided him to avoid such endorsements.
“I realised I should not have done it and have not been involved in any such endorsements since,” he told the agency.
Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi Next in Line
Actors Rana Daggubati and Manchu Lakshmi have also been summoned. Rana, initially directed to appear on July 23, has now been issued a fresh notice to appear on August 11. Manchu Lakshmi has been asked to appear on August 13.
Background of the Case
The ED’s probe stems from five FIRs filed across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, under the Public Gambling Act, 1867. The investigation is being pursued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and follows allegations that 29 actors, influencers, and YouTubers promoted illegal betting platforms.
Among the accused are actors Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Ananya Nagella, and several others. The initial FIRs were filed at police stations in Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet, and Visakhapatnam.
While several celebrities, including Vijay Deverakonda and Rana Daggubati, maintain that they endorsed only legally permitted online skill-based games, the ED continues to scrutinize contracts, payments, and public endorsements to determine the legality and transparency of these associations.
The investigation remains ongoing.
