Vijay Deverakonda Addresses Controversy Over Betting App Allegations

Vijay Deverakonda's Clarification on Betting App Links

Vijay Deverakonda, a well-known actor in the Telugu film industry, has recently found himself at the center of a controversy involving a digital platform that is currently under scrutiny for its alleged connections to online betting. He appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as part of an ongoing investigation related to the promotion of betting applications. Following his appearance, he spoke to the media, asserting that he has no ties to any betting app.

During his media interaction, he stated, "I was called in because my name surfaced in relation to a betting app case. In India, we differentiate between betting apps and gaming apps."

He further elaborated, "I made it clear that I endorsed a gaming app named A23. There is a distinct difference between betting apps and gaming apps. The latter is legal in various states, is registered, and complies with GST, taxes, and necessary approvals."

The actor has also provided all relevant financial documents to the ED for the investigation.

In addition to Vijay, other notable figures such as Rana Daggubati, Lakshmi Manchu, and Prakash Raj have also been summoned for questioning.

On another note, Vijay Deverakonda is making headlines due to his latest film 'Kingdom', which has faced criticism from various groups for allegedly misrepresenting Tamil identity and offending religious sentiments. The production company, Sitara Entertainment, issued a statement clarifying that 'Kingdom' is entirely a fictional narrative and expressed regret if it inadvertently offended any community. "We apologize if we have hurt anyone's feelings," part of the statement read.

The film premiered in theaters on July 31, 2025, and features Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse in prominent roles.