MIB issues advisory for ads on gambling and betting

MIB issues advisory for ads on gambling and betting.

MIB issues advisory to prohibit advertisements on gambling and betting.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory to print, electronic and digital media to refrain from advertising online betting platforms.

"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 advisory states. It has further added that these advertisements on online betting have the effect of promoting this largely prohibited activity. "The advertisements of online betting are misleading, and do not appear to be in strict conformity with the Consumer Protection Act 2019, Advertising Code under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995, and advertisement norms under the Norms of Journalistic Conduct laid down by the Press Council of India under the Press Council Act, 1978", it has stated.

On 4 December 2020, MIB had issued an Advisory to Private Satellite TV channels (copy enclosed) to adhere to the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) guidelines on advertisements of online gaming which contained specific Do's and Don't for static/print and audio-visual advertisements of online gaming.

However, owing to an increase in advertisements appearing in print, electronic, social, and online media, a present advisory has been issued.

The Advisory states that advertisements for online betting and gambling pose a significant financial and socio-economic risk for consumers, especially youth and children.

It is additionally noted that gambling is prohibited in most parts of the country, and hence advertising the same will promote such activities which are otherwise largely prohibited.

In light of the above and having regard to the larger public interest involved, the print and electronic media are advised to refrain from publishing advertisements on online betting platforms.

The online and social media, including the online advertisement intermediaries and publishers, are advised not to display such advertisements in India or target such advertisements toward the Indian audience.