Meta and Google Urged to Strengthen Measures Against Illegal Online Gambling in India: Report
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Synopsis
A recent report emphasizes the need for tech giants like Meta and Google to take decisive action against the illegal online gambling surge in India. It highlights the role of digital platforms in facilitating this issue and suggests collaboration with Indian regulators to enforce stricter measures.
Key Takeaways
- Meta and Google need to enhance actions against illegal gambling.
- 1.6 billion visits to illegal betting sites were recorded.
- Social media plays a significant role in gambling promotions.
- Regulatory collaboration is necessary to combat illegal gambling.
- Influencers are widely promoting gambling ads on messaging platforms.
New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) Major technology firms such as Meta and Google need to enhance their efforts against the swiftly escalating illegal online gambling and betting industry on their platforms in India, according to a recent report released on Thursday.
The analysis conducted by the Digital India Foundation highlighted that illegal gambling networks are utilizing digital advertisements, social media, messaging applications, and even cryptocurrency payment systems to lure users. It emphasized the necessity for stricter regulations and increased collaboration between Indian authorities and technology companies to combat this growing concern.
The report revealed an astonishing 1.6 billion visits recorded in just three months (October to December 2024) across four prominent platforms — Parimatch, Stake, 1xBet, and Battery Bet. Social media was responsible for 42.8 million visits through direct paid advertisements, influencer promotions, and engagement strategies, the report added.
Despite government efforts to mitigate these activities by blocking websites and issuing warnings, illegal operators continue to flourish, constantly adjusting their tactics to dodge restrictions. The report advocated for a more holistic approach, making all crucial enablers, including technology platforms, accountable while implementing stringent compliance measures.
On a global scale, regulatory bodies have collaborated closely with social media and digital advertising platforms to monitor and eliminate illegal gambling content. A study conducted by the European Union in 2018 indicated that 19 out of 24 national regulators had formed partnerships with Meta, X, and Google to remove such advertisements and diminish the search rankings of gambling websites.
In the United States, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) prevents financial transactions associated with illegal online betting, targeting payment processors rather than individual users.
In India, aggressive advertising is propelling illegal gambling. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) reported a considerable increase in gambling advertisements across digital platforms, often employing exaggerated claims to attract players.
Google search data from 2021 to 2024 reveals a significant uptick in searches for betting sites like Dafabet, 1xBet, and Parimatch, particularly during the Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons.
Operators are using aggressive SEO strategies to achieve high rankings for searches related to IPL betting and online casinos. The report also discovered that referral traffic from adult sites, sports-related websites, and streaming services led to 247.5 million visits to illegal gambling sites.
Furthermore, messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram significantly contribute to promoting these sites; influencers with millions of followers utilize "Channels" to disseminate gambling advertisements, reaching a vast audience instantly, the report stated.
The report recommended that regulatory agencies such as the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre collaborate with digital platforms to proactively monitor and eliminate illegal gambling content.
