These creators reject betting ads despite 3x payouts - here’s why

In a digital age where virality meets viability, popular content creators Ankush Bahuguna, Shibani Bedi, and Raj Grover unpack why they refused lucrative betting ads, prioritizing integrity over income. Watch in our Storyboard18's Media Dialogues.

By  Storyboard18Jul 10, 2025 7:55 AM
These creators reject betting ads despite 3x payouts - here’s why
Left to Right: Raj Grover, Shibani Bedi, Ankush Bahuguna

The creator economy is booming, with India's content creators standing at the forefront of this global digital revolution. But as the landscape evolves, so do the ethical dilemmas that creators must navigate. In a candid discussion with Storyboard18's Editor, Delshad Irani, popular creators - Ankush Bahuguna, Shibani Bedi, and Raj Grover reveal why they chose to forego betting ads, despite the substantial financial incentives.

The lure of lucrative deals

The burgeoning betting industry has increasingly targeted content creators, offering lucrative deals to promote their platforms.

Raj Grover noted, "Many betting apps, many of them. They pay a lot. Double, triple money to promote that product." The financial allure is undeniable, yet these creators have drawn a firm line.

Standing firm on principles

For Bahuguna, the decision was personal, "I don't think I would want to associate with any gambling and betting, because I don't do it in my real life, and it's definitely not something I would like to promote to my audience."

His sentiment was echoed by Bedi, who cited the "social responsibility aspect" as a reason for her refusal. "I think everybody takes those calls on a personal level, but it also depends on which stage you're at," she explained.

Grover also highlighted the responsibility he feels towards his young audience, "Everybody knows that my audience involves kids. I can't just promote something which the kids would use and then their families would turn up on me and everything."

The ethical considerations

The creators expressed how crucial it is to maintain authenticity and credibility with their followers. "Our audience or creators or content creators are who they are because of their authenticity and maybe reflecting society through their content," Bedi explained.

The pressure to remain genuine is compounded by the interactive nature of social media, where audiences can directly critique creators.

Navigating the commercial landscape

While the refusal of betting ads reflects a commitment to ethical standards, it also highlights the evolving relationship between creators and brands.

Bahuguna shared insights into this dynamic, "There's no gatekeeping fame anymore. Anybody can become a key opinion leader now." This democratization means creators can have substantial influence, but with that comes the responsibility to choose partnerships wisely.

The path forward

Despite the challenges, these creators remain optimistic about the future. They acknowledge the need for balance between commercial success and personal integrity.

As Grover succinctly put it, "We don't want a 90-10 ratio. We just want 60-40. Listen to us, 60, and then we'll be great."

As the creator economy continues to grow, the decisions made by Bahuguna, Bedi, and Grover set a precedent for others in the industry. They demonstrate that while financial gain is significant, it should not come at the expense of one's values and the trust of their audience. This commitment to authenticity ensures they remain not just content creators, but trusted voices in a rapidly changing digital world.

Watch the whole episode here

First Published on Jul 9, 2025 4:23 PM

More from Storyboard18

Brand Makers

'I don't even make a tenth of what's claimed': Apoorva Mukhija breaks silence on viral net worth rumours

'I don't even make a tenth of what's claimed': Apoorva Mukhija breaks silence on viral net worth rumours

Brand Makers

Meta’s $200 million bet on AI talent escalates Silicon Valley’s race for superintelligence

Meta’s $200 million bet on AI talent escalates Silicon Valley’s race for superintelligence

Brand Makers

Hero MotoCorp appoints Kausalya Nandakumar as Chief Business Officer - Emerging Mobility Business Unit

Hero MotoCorp appoints Kausalya Nandakumar as Chief Business Officer - Emerging Mobility Business Unit

Brand Makers

Ad-maker Prasoon Pandey to direct his first feature film

Ad-maker Prasoon Pandey to direct his first feature film

Brand Makers

Mount Everest Breweries appoints Vinod Babu G as CEO

Mount Everest Breweries appoints Vinod Babu G as CEO

Brand Makers

Who is Cindy Rose - WPP's first female CEO and Mark Read's successor?

Who is Cindy Rose - WPP's first female CEO and Mark Read's successor?

Brand Makers

Microsoft's Cindy Rose to succeed Mark Read as WPP CEO

Microsoft's Cindy Rose to succeed Mark Read as WPP CEO

Brand Makers

US bankruptcy court holds Byju Raveendran in contempt for failing to comply with orders

US bankruptcy court holds Byju Raveendran in contempt for failing to comply with orders