New Delhi5 minutes ago
- copy link
The Central Government has issued an advisory to avoid advertisements promoting online betting. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has warned print, electronic and digital media to refrain from showing betting advertisements.
The ministry has also shared this information from its Twitter handle. This warning has been issued in the public interest after several cases of advertisements of online betting websites and platforms were found in print, electronic, social and online media. Online advertising intermediaries and publishers as well as online and social media have been advised not to display such advertisements in the country.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has re-tweeted this tweet from its Twitter handle.
Online betting ads are deceptive
The ministry has clearly stated that betting and gambling are illegal in the country. It is causing addiction among youth and children. There is always the possibility of socio-economic risk from this. The advisory warns that online betting advertisements are deceptive, promoted when displayed on print, electronic and digital platforms.
Advertisement codes under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995 and the Press Council of India do not conform to the norms of journalistic conduct prescribed under the Press Council Act, 1978.
Effect of betting ads on children
- Kids getting addicted to betting games
- Betting advertisements are being shown online and on TV
- High speed warnings are given in advertisements
Government has already issued advisory
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had issued an advisory about one and a half years ago as well. This advisory was for private satellite TV channels. On December 4, 2020, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had issued an advisory saying that advertisements for online gaming for print and audio visual advertising should follow the guidelines of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).