Foreign Gambling Operators Welcome Steps towards Regulation of Indian Online Gaming Space

July 22, 2022 India Crime & Legal Industry Updates

An advisory was issued by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) guiding print and electronic media to avoid advertising platforms for online betting and gambling. The Ministry stated that such activities are prohibited in most of India and bring financial and socio-economic risks for users.

“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”, the statement of the I&B Ministry said.

Online and social media, as well as online advertisement intermediaries and publishers were also advised to refrain from promoting gambling and betting companies. The development came after a meeting between the I&B Ministry with the Ministries of Consumer Affairs and Electronics & IT, and several organizations including the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), the News Broadcasters Association (NBA), the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), and the Online Rummy Federation (ORF).

Earlier, in December 2020, an advisory was issued to TV channels directing them to adhere to ASCI guidelines when advertising online gaming. The guidelines contain restrictions on showing minors and depicting online gaming as an opportunity for alternative income or success. Advertisements should also have a disclaimer of certain proportions warning that gaming bears financial risks and may be addictive.

Besides the Indian gaming organizations that participated in the meeting held by the I&B Ministry, the issuing of the advisory was welcomed also by foreign operators of online casino for real money and betting platforms as a step towards the implementation of much needed regulation over the sector.