The glitz and glamour of celebrity culture took a sharp turn into legal territory on March 20, 2025, as Cyberabad Police in Hyderabad registered a high-profile case against six prominent Tollywood celebrities and 19 social media influencers for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps. This crackdown marks a significant escalation in the ongoing battle against the unchecked rise of online gambling platforms and the role of influential figures in pushing them to the masses. Here’s a deep dive into the unfolding drama that’s lighting up social media feeds and sparking heated debates.

The First Information Report (FIR) filed at Miyapur Police Station names Tollywood heavyweights Rana Daggubati, Vijaya Devarakonda, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, and others, alongside a slew of popular influencers like Ananya Nagella, Sreemukhi, and Harsha Sai. The charges? Violations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Telangana Gaming Act, and the Information Technology Act, stemming from their alleged endorsement of betting apps that promise quick riches but often leave users in financial ruin.

The complaint, lodged by Miyapur resident Phanidra Sharma, accuses these celebrities of actively promoting platforms that fuel addictive behavior, causing “harm to individuals and society.”

This isn’t an isolated incident. Celebrities endorsing betting apps have been a growing trend globally and in India. From cricket legend MS Dhoni fronting Pokerstars to Sunny Leone’s tie-up with JeetWin, the allure of star power has long been leveraged to legitimize these platforms. Internationally, names like Drake (Stake) and Neymar Jr. have also jumped on the bandwagon. But in Telangana, the stakes have shifted from promotion to prosecution.

The Cyberabad case follows a string of actions against influencers. Just days earlier, on March 16, YouTuber Harsha Sai was booked after a complainant lost over ₹13 lakh following his betting tips. Earlier in the month, influencers like Bayya Sunny Yadav and “Local Boy” Nani faced similar charges. For the first time, however, the spotlight has widened to include A-list actors, signaling a zero-tolerance stance from authorities.

Social media has been ablaze with reactions. Some users expressed shock—“Tollywood stars caught in betting app mess? Didn’t see that coming!”—while others vented frustration: “Celebrities pushing gambling apps to kids who idolize them is disgusting.” Supporters, however, argue it’s just business. “They’re paid to endorse, not to babysit your choices,” one post countered.

The controversy has also reignited discussions about accountability. Telangana’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone), SM Vijay Kumar, highlighted the real-world impact: “Many youths in Telangana suffered huge losses due to online betting. Some even died by suicide.” This grim reality has fueled calls for stricter regulations, with X posts urging, “Ban these apps already—celebs or not, this is ruining lives.”

The involvement of celebrities in betting app promotions raises thorny questions about influence and ethics. With millions of followers, stars like Vijaya Devarakonda and Rana Daggubati wield immense sway, especially over young fans. Critics argue that their endorsements glamorize gambling, masking its risks—financial distress, addiction, and even tragedy. On the flip side, the entertainment industry often sees such deals as standard brand partnerships, no different from hawking soft drinks or sneakers.

This case also underscores a broader crackdown in Telangana. Senior IPS officer VC Sajjanar, now with TGSRTC, has been vocal about the “ecosystem of influencers” profiting off betting apps. His March 16 X post warned, “These apps are a societal and economic menace, exploiting vulnerabilities and tearing families apart.” The Cyberabad FIR against Tollywood stars feels like a direct extension of that mission.

What’s Next?

As the investigation unfolds, the accused will likely face summons and questioning. For the actors, this could mean reputational damage alongside legal battles—Rana’s stoic charm and Vijaya’s boy-next-door appeal might not sway a courtroom. For influencers, many of whom built their brands on relatability, the fallout could be even steeper.

The case also puts pressure on betting app companies, often based overseas, to rethink their reliance on celebrity endorsements in markets like India, where gambling laws remain a gray area. Meanwhile, fans and followers are left grappling with a stark reality: the idols they adore might be peddling more than just dreams.