The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has given rules for print, TV, and digital media to stop conveying ads on offshore gambling platforms.

“Wagering and betting are unlawful in many parts of the nation, and concerns have been expressed that ads for offshore gambling promote a movement which is generally to a great extent banned and poses a critical monetary and socio-economic risk for customers, particularly youth and kids. “Further, ads for offshore gambling are misdirected and don’t have all the earmarks of being in severe congruity with the Consumer Protection Act 2019, Advertising Code under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995, and advertisement norms under the Norms of Journalistic Conduct set by the Press Council of India under the Press Council Act, 1978,” a statement from MIB said on Monday.

Considering something very similar and concerning the greater public interest, print and electronic media are informed to refrain from publishing ads regarding offshore gambling platforms, the statement added. “Online and social media, including online ad mediators and distributors, are advised not to show such ads in India or target such ads towards the Indian crowd,” it said.

MIB brought up that, alongside the ministers of consumer affairs, electronics, and information technology, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), News Broadcasters Association (NBA), Indian Broadcasting Federation (IBF), All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), and the Online Rummy Federation (ORF), they had met at a gathering in 2020 that brought about ASCI giving rules for promotions of online gaming and fantasy sports on TV.

Requesting that all broadcasters follow these rules, the statement brought up that no gaming ad ought to show an individual under the age of 18 enjoying online gaming for real money. Furthermore, print ads should convey the disclaimer that the game implies an element of financial risk, while audio and video ads should have the equivalent put toward the end at a normal speaking pace and in a similar language as the ad.

Roland Landers, the CEO of the All India Gaming Federation, said these offshore online gambling websites are not enlisted under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 and don’t pay relevant direct and indirect taxes expected to be paid under Indian regulation even by organizations that don’t have their registered office in India and are based outside the country.

“This blatant tax avoidance by the gambling sites is bringing about a loss of income of thousands of crores per annum to the public authority exchequer.” There are many occurrences where such websites enjoy clear extortion and manipulation of their games, and various grumblings have been received wherein they take deposits from gullible players but decline to provide them with any choice of withdrawing their rewards or balances under different appearances. “We are really glad to see our relentless endeavors against offshore gambling platforms happen as expected and might want to thank the ministry of information and broadcasting for starting this step,” Landers said in a statement.

Credit: Live Mint