In a major initiative to curb the rise of illegal betting and gambling advertisements by offshore entities, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), and the E-Gaming Federation (EGF), effective January 2, 2025. This collaboration aims to safeguard consumers from misleading and illegal ads, establishing a special monitoring cell to flag and report such advertisements to relevant authorities.
Since the MoU’s launch, ASCI has flagged 413 ads of offshore betting to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and processed 12 advertisements for potential violations. As per Indian laws, gambling and offshore betting are illegal in most states, though advertisements for skill-based real-money games (RMG) are permissible if they follow strict guidelines. The newly formed monitoring cell will ensure compliance with these standards and protect consumers from deceptive practices.
In Kolkata, the market for real-money gaming has witnessed growth, but concerns remain over illegal betting ads targeting vulnerable consumers. The new ASCI initiative is expected to streamline monitoring efforts, ensuring that responsible advertising is promoted, and consumers in Kolkata are shielded from fraudulent platforms. Industry leaders like Neil Castelino and Anuraag Saxena have praised this initiative, emphasizing its potential to foster a safer, more transparent gaming environment.
