India Summons Bollywood Actress, Influencers Allegedly Promoting Gambling

October 24, 2024 India iGaming & Gambling

The Indian government is now targeting social media influencers who are promoting online gambling, amid the rapid rise of the market in the country.

Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) has isued show-cause notices to influencers promoting gambling platforms.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has also pursued “legal action against advertisors of online betting sites.”

Several Indian influencers and celebrities have been involved in promoting online gambling platforms, often through social media campaigns. Some notable names tagged in gambling endorsements include former Indian cricket captain and Dream11 Brand Ambassador MS Dhoni and Bollywood actress Tamannaah Bhatia.

The Enforcement Directorate recently questioned Bhatia over allegations of promoting Indian Premier League match viewing on the Fairplay betting app, which is linked to the Mahadev online betting case.

She was also implicated in a money laundering case associated with the “HPZ Token” mobile app. She was implicated in the controversy linked to the “HPZ Token” mobile app in which several investors were allegedly duped on the pretext of mining Bitcoins and some other cryptocurrencies.

The 34-year-old actress allegedly received funds for making a “celebrity appearance” at an event of the “HPZ Token” app, which is currently being investigated for money laundering.

Operators use deposit free spins to lure users into engaging with gambling platforms. Platforms were also urged to educate users on gambling addiction and remove gambling-related promotions.

For the MIB, promoting gambling sites is a violation of Indian law. They have also issued an advisory against promoting offshore gambling sites.

This was first made after the Central Consumer Protection Authority told self-regulatory bodies that these are in violation of the Public Gambling Act of 1867.

“Advertisement of online betting platforms and apps promotes an activity that is predominantly banned and carries significant financial and socio-economic implications on consumers, particularly the youth,” read the advisory, which was released in March.

Celebrity involvement in online gambling advertisements first came into light with the the Mahadev Betting App case which involves an illegal online betting platform operating in India, allegedly running a massive network facilitating gambling activities.

Promoted through celebrity endorsements and social media, the app attracted millions of users. Authorities uncovered that the platform was involved in money laundering and tax evasion.

The case highlighted the regulatory loopholes in India’s online gambling sector and raised concerns over the growing influence of illegal betting operations on public welfare and financial systems.