A day after Hyderabad police registered a case against Vijay Deverakonda for allegedly promoting online betting apps, the actor’s PR team issued a statement denying any unlawful involvement.
The statement, released on Thursday, March 20, clarified that Vijay had only endorsed a skill-based gaming platform within legally permitted regions. “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.”
The statement also emphasized the legal distinction between skill-based games and gambling, citing Supreme Court rulings. “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.”
Vijay’s team further stressed that his legal advisors thoroughly reviewed the endorsement before he signed the contract. “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.”
They concluded the statement by addressing misinformation, “This note is being issued to eliminate any misconceptions/misinformation” and reiterated that Vijay’s endorsement was “legally recognized” and “lawful.”
On Wednesday, an FIR was filed against multiple celebrities, including Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Lakshmi Manchu, Pranitha, and Nidhhi Agerwal, along with several social media influencers. The complaint, lodged by a businessman, alleged that they promoted betting apps through social media ads and other platforms.
As the case unfolds, further developments are expected regarding the accusations against the actors and influencers involved.
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