Hyderabad: The alleged misuse of religious sentiment to promote betting has triggered sharp reactions from political and civil society quarters, after YouTuber Naa Anveshana Anvesh exposed a betting platform titled Govinda operating under the guise of devotion to Lord Venkateswara.
The investigation into betting apps in Telangana began after Anvesh, with support from TSRTC MD Sajjanar, flagged the growing influence of such platforms and the role of celebrities in promoting them. Several film personalities, anchors, and influencers are said to have endorsed betting apps, prompting the issuance of police notices and personal appearances for inquiry. In response, a few celebrities have removed the promotional content from their social media platforms.
Anvesh recently released a video, claiming that the Govinda betting app — named after a sacred deity — has been actively promoted by various film personalities across platforms like Telegram, Instagram, and Facebook. He appealed to Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Minister for IT and Industries Nara Lokesh to take urgent action, stating that the app has operated as recently as April 16, 2025, despite mounting concerns.
The YouTuber also alleged that the app lures users by claiming tax-free winnings and lacks any regulatory oversight. “Using God’s name for gambling is unacceptable,” said Anvesh, urging those who uphold *Sanatana Dharma* to act against the misuse of religious identity for financial gain.
Responding to the expose, Minister Nara Lokesh issued a statement via social media, calling betting apps a “destructive force” that have ruined the lives of countless youth. “We are hearing hundreds of heartbreaking stories of youngsters trapped in a cycle of gambling and despair. This must stop,” he said.
Lokesh announced that the Andhra Pradesh government is working on a stringent anti-betting policy that could serve as a model for the rest of the country. He emphasized the need for legal intervention and awareness to eliminate such platforms, assuring that all lawful options would be explored to combat the threat.
The controversy has renewed calls for stricter digital regulation and raised alarms over the unchecked promotion of betting platforms by influencers and celebrities.