ASCI Collaborates with Online Gaming Sector to Combat Illegal Betting Ads
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Synopsis
On February 18, 2025, ASCI partnered with key players in the online gaming industry to address illegal betting ads from offshore entities. The initiative includes a monitoring cell to report violations and safeguard consumers from misleading advertisements.
Key Takeaways
- Partnership formed to tackle illegal betting ads.
- Monitoring cell created for reporting violations.
- Focus on protecting consumers from misleading ads.
- Collaboration with key industry federations.
- Strict regulations against gambling ads in India.
Mumbai, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has officially partnered with the online gaming sector to combat the rising concern of illegal betting and gambling advertisements emanating from offshore sources.
ASCI has executed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), and the E-Gaming Federation (EGF) in this endeavor.
The primary objective of this agreement is to safeguard consumers from deceptive advertisements.
In line with this initiative, a dedicated monitoring cell has been established to identify and report illegal offshore betting ads to the relevant ministries.
This cell will also scrutinize real-money gaming (RMG) advertisements to ensure compliance with ASCI’s advertising regulations.
The overarching aim is to unveil unlawful ads and guarantee adherence within the RMG sector.
“Indian consumers are frequently exposed to a plethora of ads from offshore betting and gambling firms that lack accountability in India,” remarked Manisha Kapoor, CEO and Secretary General of ASCI.
She further noted that numerous Indian celebrities have participated in such advertisements. Given that gambling ads are banned in many regions of the country, their widespread presence constitutes a legal violation.
“ASCI aims to bring such advertising to the attention of regulators for prompt action. We appreciate the proactive steps taken by the gaming associations to collaborate with the self-regulatory body in forming a specialized monitoring cell for the industry,” Kapoor stated.
Since January 2025, ASCI has reported 413 offshore betting advertisements to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Moreover, 12 ads concerning real-money gaming have been evaluated for potential breaches of ASCI’s guidelines.
Roland Landers, CEO of All India Gaming Federation, expressed: “As the oldest and largest industry federation, AIGF has consistently advocated for responsible gaming practices and is actively addressing the issue of offshore and illegal betting and gambling.”
Previously, ASCI flagged 1,336 similar ads between April 2023 and March 2024, leading the ministry to take action against specific platforms.
During that timeframe, ASCI also reviewed 492 real-money gaming ads.
Various states enforce stringent regulations against gambling and offshore betting, rendering advertisements for such activities illegal. However, online real-money games that are skill-based are permissible under most state laws.
These games can be promoted, but companies must adhere to rigorous guidelines to prevent misleading consumers or presenting gambling as a viable source of income.
“Indian citizens have faced deception and fraud from unscrupulous operators for years. The country suffers, consumers suffer, and the domestic industry suffers,” stated Anuraag Saxena, CEO of E-Gaming Federation.
