Industry hails Centre’s advisory against surrogate advertisements, endorsement of offshore betting

Industry players welcomes Centre's advisory against increasing instances of direct as well as surrogate advertisements

March 22, 2024

Ministry of I&B cautions social media influencers against endorsing offshore online betting and gambling platforms

On Thursday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting advised all social media endorsers and influencers to refrain from promoting or advertising, including surrogate advertisements, of offshore online betting and gambling platforms.

Industry players on Friday hailed the government’s advisory against increasing instances of direct as well as surrogate advertisements and endorsements of activities.

The advisory cautioned that failure to comply with it may lead to proceedings under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, including removal or disabling of social media posts or accounts and penal action under the applicable statutes.

According to the Ministry, these advertisements have significant financial and socio-economic implications of online betting and gambling on consumers, particularly the youth.

Social media intermediaries have also been advised to conduct sensitization efforts among their users to refrain from publishing such content.

Anuraag Saxena, CEO, the E-Gaming Federation, said, “This is a significant move to protect the players and industry at large from endorsements and ads that promote illicit gambling and betting platforms.”

“We are committed to providing our full cooperation to the government in creating a standard framework that will support the growth of a regulated, sustainable sector that not only adheres to these advisories but also encourages responsible gaming,” Saxena added.

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