(Image source from: Instagram.com/thedeverakonda)

The names of 25 celebrities have been named in relation to promoting Betting Apps and the Hyderabad cops have registered cases on all these celebrities. Among the prominent names, actors like Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj and others were involved. The team of Vijay Deverakonda has issued an official statement today stating that the actor entered into a contract to serve as a brand ambassador for skill-based games. The team also clarified that Vijay has never promoted any betting apps. Here is his official statement:

"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. 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. 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. This press release is being issued to eliminate any misconceptions / misinformation and to emphasize that Mr. Vijay Deverakonda’s past endorsement of a legally recognized skill-based gaming company was completely lawful".