Offshore Betting Ads Under Scrutiny: ASCI Joins Forces with Gaming Federations to Protect Indian Consumers

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The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with key online gaming industry federations to tackle illegal offshore betting advertisements. The collaboration, effective from January 2, 2025, includes partnerships with the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), and the E-Gaming Federation (EGF).

ASCI and Gaming Federations Launch Monitoring Cell to Curb Illegal Betting Ads

According to a report from Storyboard 18, the MoU introduces a special monitoring cell to identify, track, and report offshore betting and gambling ads to the relevant authorities. This cell will also oversee real-money gaming (RMG) advertisements to ensure compliance with ASCI’s guidelines. The objective is to address misleading ads and promote responsible advertising within the industry.

ASCI Flags 413 Offshore Betting Ads Since Agreement Took Effect

Since the agreement took effect, ASCI has flagged 413 offshore betting ads to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Additionally, it processed 12 ads for potential violations of its RMG guidelines. Between April 2023 and March 2024, ASCI flagged 1,336 offshore betting ads, prompting regulatory actions against the concerned platforms. During the same period, 492 RMG ads were reviewed for guideline adherence.

Indian state laws prohibit gambling and offshore betting activities, rendering related advertisements illegal in these regions. However, online RMG platforms that emphasize skill-based games are permitted to advertise, provided they comply with ASCI’s regulations. ASCI’s guidelines mandate that such ads should not target minors, depict winnings as guaranteed income, or omit disclaimers about the risks involved.

Manisha Kapoor, CEO and Secretary General of ASCI, stated: “Indian consumers are exposed to numerous ads of offshore betting and gambling companies that have no accountability in India.” She added, “Since gambling ads are prohibited in most parts of the country, their large-scale presence is a breach of the law.”

Neil Castelino, CEO of FIFS, emphasized the industry’s dedication to ethical advertising practices. “Members of FIFS have demonstrated their commitment and compliance to responsible advertising through implementation of the ASCI guidelines and FIFS Charter,” he said.

Anuraag Saxena, CEO of EGF, highlighted the risks posed by unregulated platforms. “Indian citizens have been duped and scammed by unscrupulous operators for years,” Saxena said. “Together, we will uphold high ethical standards and create a safer, more trusted gaming landscape for all.”

Roland Landers, CEO of AIGF, stressed the importance of industry-wide collaboration. “We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure a robust, transparent, and responsible gaming environment in India,” Landers noted. “This MoU marks a pivotal step towards protecting consumers, fostering ethical advertising, and elevating the credibility of India’s online gaming sector.”

The gaming industry and ASCI are committed to promoting legal, responsible advertising while curbing the influence of offshore betting platforms. Through the newly established monitoring cell, the partnership aims to protect consumers and maintain industry integrity in India’s rapidly growing online gaming sector.

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