ASCI Partners Gaming Federations to Curb Illegal Betting Ads

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) To tackle the rising problem of illegal betting and gambling advertisements from offshore entities. This partnership, effective from January 2 this year, aims to address these issues by setting up a special monitoring cell.

Real Money Gaming Under Scanner

The newly formed cell will screen and report offshore betting and gambling advertisements to the relevant ministries. It will also review real-money gaming (RMG) advertisements that may violate the ASCI Code. This initiative targets illegal ads and aims to strengthen compliance within the RMG industry.

Since the MoU came into effect in January 2025, ASCI has flagged 413 ads related to offshore betting to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Additionally, 12 RMG advertisements were reviewed for possible violations of ASCI’s guidelines. Previously, between April 2023 and March 2024, ASCI flagged 1336 ads to the Ministry of I&B, leading to actions against these ads and platforms. During the same period, ASCI also took up 492 cases related to real-money gaming.

The Reality of Gambling and Betting Ads

Indian state laws prohibit gambling and offshore betting activities, making advertisements for these services illegal in many states. However, online real-money games requiring a high skill level are allowed in most states, and their advertising is permitted. Despite this, some offshore operators attempt to misrepresent themselves as legal gaming companies, making it crucial to identify and report these ads to regulators.

ASCI’s guidelines for “Advertising of Online Gaming for Real Money Winnings” require ads to be responsible. They must not feature minors or suggest that winnings can be a source of livelihood. Additionally, all ads must include disclaimers to inform consumers about the risks involved in playing these games.

With this MoU, ASCI and the online gaming industry, federations aim to enhance the safety and compliance of real-money gaming advertisements while cracking down on illegal offshore betting promotions.

Experts Say

Manisha Kapoor, CEO and Secretary General, ASCI: Offshore betting ads violate Indian laws, and some feature Indian celebrities. Through the special monitoring cell, ASCI aims to highlight such ads to regulators and ensure compliance from the legal gaming industry.

Neil Castelino, CEO, Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports: FIFS members follow ASCI guidelines for responsible advertising. The collaboration aims to shield consumers from illegal platforms and promote responsible practices in India’s RMG industry.

Anuraag Saxena, CEO, E-Gaming Federation: Unscrupulous operators have harmed Indian consumers and the domestic industry. EGF supports responsible gaming and mandatory audits. The ASCI monitoring cell will enhance these efforts to create a safer gaming environment.

Roland Landers, CEO, All India Gaming Federation: AIGF advocates responsible gaming and fights offshore betting. Partnering with ASCI and other federations will protect consumers, ensure ethical advertising, and enhance the credibility of India’s online gaming industry.