Indian Celebrities Who’ve Promoted Gambling Apps

In recent years, gambling apps have seen a massive surge in popularity across the globe, and India is no exception. As more people turn to smartphones and the internet for entertainment, gambling apps have become an increasingly lucrative market. What’s even more interesting is the role of Indian celebrities in promoting these gambling platforms. But why would a celebrity endorse an app that’s often associated with risks and controversy?

The Rise of Gambling Apps in India

Surge in Online Gambling

Online gambling in India has seen explosive growth over the past decade. This boom can be largely credited to two major factors: widespread smartphone adoption and high-speed internet access. These technological advances have made gambling not only more convenient but also more appealing to younger, tech-savvy users. Fantasy sports platforms, poker apps, and sports betting services are now just a click away, available to anyone with a mobile device. These platforms promise entertainment, thrill, and the potential to win money — a combination that’s hard to resist.

Another key driver is the variety of options now available. From cricket betting and rummy to casino-style games, the choices are vast. Users are drawn in by colorful interfaces, attractive bonuses, and engaging user experiences. What once required a trip to a casino or underground betting ring can now be done from the comfort of your couch. This shift from physical to digital has revolutionized how Indians engage with gambling.

Reasons Behind the Growth of Gambling Apps in India

Several factors have contributed to the exponential growth of gambling apps in India. One of the most crucial is the skyrocketing rate of smartphone usage. With budget-friendly phones and cheap data plans, internet access is no longer a luxury but a basic utility. This has allowed gambling platforms to reach Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, massively expanding their user base.

Here’s why gambling apps are booming in India:

• Increased smartphone penetration – Millions of Indians now own smartphones, making it easy to download and access apps.
• Rising disposable income – With more people having extra money to spend, they’re willing to take chances on games of luck and skill.
• Shifting social attitudes – Gambling, once a taboo subject, is now seen as a form of entertainment, especially in urban areas.
• Easy digital payments – The rise of UPI, wallets, and mobile banking has simplified the process of making deposits and withdrawing winnings.

Why Celebrities Are Chosen for Endorsements

The Power of Celebrity Endorsements

Celebrities are like walking, talking billboards with built-in fanbases. When a famous actor or cricketer endorses a product, it immediately grabs attention. Their involvement sends a signal to fans that the product is trustworthy and worth checking out. For gambling apps looking to legitimize their services and grow quickly, this kind of endorsement is gold.

Gambling companies understand the psychology behind celebrity influence. A star’s association adds glamour and aspiration to the brand. It suggests, “If this app is good enough for them, it’s definitely worth my time.” This kind of peer-like recommendation creates trust instantly — something that would take years to build through traditional advertising.

Here’s what celebrity endorsements bring to the table:

• Massive visibility – Celebrities have millions of followers across platforms.
• Trust factor – Fans trust their favorite stars more than random ads.
• Brand recall – A familiar face makes people remember the brand longer.

Connection Between Fame and Trust in Consumer Behavior

There’s a strong psychological link between fame and trust. Consumers often feel a personal connection with celebrities they admire. This bond creates a shortcut in decision-making — if a celebrity recommends a product, fans feel it must be safe or valuable. In the case of gambling apps, which often walk the line between fun and risky, this trust is essential.

By getting celebrities on board, gambling platforms bypass a major hurdle: the skepticism around gambling itself. When your favorite actor or sports icon is smiling next to a gambling logo, it subconsciously downplays the risks and amps up the appeal.

Key reasons fame influences consumer trust:

• Parasocial relationships – Fans feel like they “know” celebrities.
• Aspirational behavior – People want to emulate their idols.
• Social proof – Seeing a star endorse a product validates its worth.

Indian Celebrities Who’ve Promoted Gambling Apps

In India, where celebrities hold immense sway over public opinion, their involvement in the promotion of gambling apps has sparked both admiration and concern. Many well-known personalities have lent their star power to these platforms, significantly boosting their visibility and acceptability. However, the ethical implications of such endorsements remain a hot topic of debate.

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan, affectionately called Big B, is a household name in India. Known for his commanding screen presence and iconic voice, he has long been a favorite in the advertising world. His endorsement of RummyCircle, a platform that allows users to play the classic card game online for real money, was a significant moment in the online gaming industry.

His promotion lent immediate credibility to the platform. Given that Bachchan is particularly influential among middle-aged and older audiences, his involvement introduced online gambling to a demographic that might have otherwise dismissed it as unsafe or inappropriate. The ads highlighted the fun and strategic aspects of the game, subtly promoting it as a form of entertainment rather than gambling.

However, his decision to associate with a gambling-related brand hasn’t come without backlash. Some critics argue that someone of his stature, often seen as a moral compass in society, should steer clear of promoting potentially addictive platforms. Others defend it as just another business move in a world where even traditional boundaries in endorsements are blurring.

Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan, often called SRK, is known not only for his acting but also for his marketing genius. His endorsements are always carefully chosen to align with his suave, successful image. When he began appearing in ads for online betting and fantasy apps, it stirred conversations everywhere — from dinner tables to newsrooms.

Khan’s charisma and universal appeal made the platforms seem glamorous and accessible. His involvement helped position gambling apps not as shady or underground, but as sophisticated and modern tools for entertainment. These campaigns were slick, filled with glitz, and tailored to urban audiences.

Despite the flashy presentations, SRK’s fans and critics alike were divided. Some appreciated the bold move, citing it as a smart business decision in a capitalist market. Others questioned the message being sent to young, impressionable fans. Should a cultural icon be promoting gambling? That’s a question still widely debated.

Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar is a legend in Indian cricket — a name synonymous with excellence, discipline, and humility. That’s why his entry into the online gambling space, even if through fantasy sports, was both surprising and controversial. He partnered with Dream11, a fantasy cricket platform where users create teams and earn points based on real-world match outcomes.

Tendulkar’s role was positioned more towards strategy and knowledge of the sport, which helped paint fantasy sports as skill-based rather than luck-driven. This distinction helped soften the blow of criticism, as many believe fantasy games require analysis and understanding rather than pure chance.

Nevertheless, the backlash wasn’t entirely avoidable. Critics argue that even fantasy sports encourage monetary betting, which can spiral into addiction. For someone like Tendulkar, whose brand is rooted in integrity and sportsmanship, the endorsement felt out of character to some. Supporters, however, highlight that fantasy sports are legal and wildly popular — and thus, nothing unethical about the partnership.