The Enforcement Directorate (ED) of India has initiated investigations into 29 Telugu entertainment industry celebrities, suspecting their involvement in promoting unauthorized online gambling platforms, which may violate gambling and money laundering laws.
This investigation is based on preliminary information reports (FIRs) submitted by various police stations in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and has been registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). The celebrities involved include famous actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and several other film actors, television hosts, and social media influencers.
The focus of the investigation is on platforms they promoted, such as Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch, and Lotus365, where the promotional activities are suspected of masking money laundering activities, potentially violating the Public Gambling Act of 1867, Telangana Gambling Laws, and the Information Technology Act, among other regulations.
Regulatory authorities are increasingly focusing on compliance issues related to digital game endorsements, and there may be stronger regulation of celebrity advertisements in the future. Earlier this year, the Cyberabad police had already arrested several individuals on similar charges. Some celebrities have denied endorsing illegal platforms, stating they only promoted government-approved gaming applications.
This action was triggered by a complaint from a resident of Miyapur, Phanidra Sharma, who claimed that these promotions led to gambling addiction and financial losses. Recently, India continues to crack down on illegal gambling, with SCCG Management announcing a partnership with BeatFantasy, and police dismantling an illegal online gambling ring.
