Celebrity Endorsements of Betting Apps Under ED Investigation

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its probe into celebrities endorsing online betting apps. Authorities are investigating whether these promotions violated financial regulations and contributed to illegal activities. The scrutiny has widened, with several influencers and public figures also coming under the scanner.

According to a report by The Times of India, the ED is closely examining the financial transactions linked to these endorsements. Officials suspect that some gaming platforms might be involved in money laundering and other illicit operations. The investigation aims to determine if celebrities knowingly promoted unlawful betting apps. Additionally, ED officials are looking into whether these endorsements led to significant financial transactions across international borders.

ED’s Growing Concerns Over Betting App Promotions

Officials believe that endorsements by high-profile celebrities could have misled users into engaging with potentially illegal platforms. The ED is analyzing the contracts, promotional deals, and bank records of celebrities linked to betting app advertisements.

An official involved in the investigation stated, “We are evaluating whether financial transactions linked to these promotions violated the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).” If found guilty, celebrities could face legal consequences, including monetary penalties. Authorities are also considering whether additional regulatory frameworks are needed to prevent such endorsements in the future.

Influencers and Celebrities Under Scrutiny

Social media influencers and public figures who promoted such apps are also under investigation. Authorities are examining whether influencers knowingly associated with unauthorized platforms or were unaware of the legal risks. Some influencers have already been called for questioning to provide clarity on their involvement with these platforms.

Cybersecurity experts have raised concerns over the growing influence of online betting advertisements. “These promotions can create a false sense of legitimacy for platforms that may not be operating within legal boundaries,” said a digital security specialist. Many users are lured into these apps under the assumption that they are legal, leading to potential financial losses.

List of Influencers and Celebrities Named in Betting App Complaints

• Kathira Harsha Sai: On December 11, 2024, a complaint was filed by Bandaru Venkatesh, alleging that Harsha Sai promoted betting platforms like Parimatch and Lotus 365, leading to a loss of ₹13,67,300.

• Bayya Sandeep (also known as Sunny Yadav): On March 5, 2025, police constable Manoj Kumar lodged a complaint against Bayya Sunny Yadav for promoting betting apps on social media platforms, which allegedly misled youth and resulted in financial losses and suicides.

• Imran Khan, Vishnu Priya, Shyamala, and Tasty Teja: On March 17, 2025, Vinay Vangala filed a complaint in Panjagutta naming these influencers for promoting betting platforms, alleging that thousands of crores were circulating in these betting networks.

• Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, and Pranitha: On March 19, 2025, P.M. Phanindra Sarma of Miyapur filed a petition stating that local youth were actively investing in betting and gambling apps promoted by these celebrities. ​

• ‘Local Boi Nani’: In Visakhapatnam, Puli Kumar Reddy reported losses of ₹3.09 crore due to online and offline betting over four years. He alleged that social media influencers, including ‘Local Boi Nani,’ promoted betting apps like Dafabet, 1XBET, and Betway, leading to significant financial losses

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