The Information and Broadcasting Ministry of India recently issued an advisory to media platforms, requesting that they stop accepting advertisements that promote online betting.
The ministry stated, “Betting and gambling, illegal in most parts of the country, pose a significant financial and socio-economic risk for the consumers, especially youth and children.” The ministry said the advisory was issued due to the increasing number of ads for online betting websites and platforms appearing in all forms of media, according to Business Standard.
The ministry also advised online and social media—including online advertising intermediaries and publishers—to not display such ads in India or target the Indian audience.
In its advisory, the ministry noted online betting ads are “misleading” and that they do not “appear to be” in strict conformity with numerous regulatory acts. Also, guidelines that took effect on December 15, 2020 stipulated that no gaming ads would depict any person under 18 years old, or a person who appears to be under age 18, playing a game of “online gaming for real money winnings. “
Additionally, the guidelines stated, “The advertisements should not present ‘online gaming for real money winnings’ as an income opportunity or an alternative employment option. The advertisement should not suggest that a person engaged in gaming activity is in any way more successful as compared to others.”
The guidelines also require every “gaming advertisement” in print media to include this disclaimer: “This game involves an element of financial risk and may be addictive. Please play responsibly and at your own risk.” The disclaimer is required to represent no less than 20 percent of ad space.
Fantasy sports companies, which have been accused of promoting online betting, are expected to react strongly to the guidelines. The $4.5 billion industry has long been demanding the government come out with a clear regulatory policy.
According to a report by Deloitte and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports, the industry is expected to hit $21 billion by 2025.
