In a key effort to safeguard the young generation from the increasing threat of online gambling, the government of Andhra Pradesh is poised to introduce an all-encompassing Anti-Betting Policy. The move has been taken in light of the increasing cases of betting-related problems in the state, such as monetary losses and even suicidal deaths.
State Minister Nara Lokesh has recently spoken about the issue, expressing serious apprehensions regarding how easily youth are falling prey to betting sites, especially in the wake of celebrity endorsements. He stressed that the new policy will specifically look to regulate and curb online betting apps and users who promote the same irresponsibly.
The debate over online gambling gained momentum after popular YouTube creator Na Anvesh initiated an aggressive campaign, holding influencers and celebrities responsible for advertising betting apps on social media. His expose resonated with the masses and attracted the attention of authorities in neighboring Telangana. The Telangana government was quick to react, assuring to curb these portals after this.
As the issue escalated, Hyderabad police initiated an investigation, summoning several individuals linked to betting promotions. The case has now been transferred to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for further action.
Some influencers involved have defended their actions, claiming they were only promoting “skill-based gaming apps”, which they argue have Supreme Court backing. However, growing public outrage and ongoing investigations suggest that the lines between skill-based gaming and betting are increasingly blurred.
In a recent video, Na Anvesh highlighted a betting app called Govinda, alleging that it is being widely promoted by several celebrities across multiple social media platforms. The video quickly went viral, putting further pressure on authorities to act.
Responding swiftly to these developments, Nara Lokesh assured that the Andhra Pradesh government will not remain a silent spectator. He confirmed that a dedicated Anti-Betting Policy is in the works, and strict measures will be taken to curb the promotion and spread of such apps. The policy is expected to focus not just on banning harmful platforms but also on holding promoters accountable.