No betting, no gambling- Govt pins downs illegal betting and gambling apps

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has called for measures to address indirect and surrogate advertisements that promote illegal betting and gambling on apps, a trend that has been escalating during the cricket and election seasons, business daily Mint has reported.

The central government is pinning down and calling for an action on these advertisements, as they blatantly contravene the guidelines set by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), according to two individuals familiar with the situation.

This action is a response to the prevalent use of betting apps, notably during events such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and general elections, despite the presence of clear guidelines that forbid such practices.

The central government seeks to collaborate with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to pinpoint offenders and enforce suitable legal measures and penalties upon them.

Central consumer protection authority (CCPA) Advisory

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued an advisory on March 6, 2024, highlighting concerns regarding the growing prevalence of both direct and surrogate advertisements endorsing activities deemed illegal, such as betting or gambling.

“In response to increasing instances of advertisements promoting illegal activities such as betting and gambling, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a comprehensive advisory. The advisory, by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, emphasizes the prohibition of advertising, promotion, and endorsement of unlawful activities prohibited under various laws,” stated as in the advisory.

The advisory reiterated that the guidelines pertain to all advertisements, regardless of the medium used. It cautioned celebrities and influencers that involvement in promoting or advertising online gambling and betting, due to its unlawful nature, makes them equally accountable for engaging in illegal activities.

IPL Season betting 

Despite the well-known illegality of gambling and betting in India under the Gambling Act, it’s evident during the IPL season that cricketers and celebrities are actively endorsing various online betting apps on national television, thereby violating the regulations established by the central government. Despite the associated risks, various individuals continue to engage in betting, and the influence of celebrity endorsements is observable, particularly among impressionable young minds.