10 months ago
India Targets Offshore Betting Ads Amidst Rising Complaints
Imagine India has a rule that says advertising illegal things is not allowed.
Recently, a group called ASCI that watches ads found that a lot of complaints were about ads for betting apps that are not legal in India.
These betting apps are run from other countries, like in Jamaica or Curaçao, but they show ads in India.
They try to hide their betting services by advertising them like sports news or sportswear.
Many of these ads are seen on social media like Instagram and Facebook, and some even use famous actors and cricketers to promote them.
ASCI has told the government about many of these ads, and some celebrities are even being questioned by the police.
It's hard to stop these ads because they are online and run from outside India, but the government is trying to crack down on them.
Illegal offshore betting ads are the most frequent violation reported to ASCI in H1 2025, often disguised as gaming or sportswear promotions.
These offshore betting apps operate from outside India and are accessible through websites, apps, and Telegram channels.
ASCI reported a 70% increase in complaints and reviewed 102% more ads compared to the previous year, with offshore betting ads driving this surge.
Most violations are seen on Meta platforms (Instagram and Facebook), with some ads also appearing on billboards and public transport.
Regulators are investigating, with ASCI reporting over 4,500 ads to government bodies, and law enforcement agencies questioning celebrities involved in endorsements.
- Who
- Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), Indian regulators (Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, ED, CID, etc.), offshore betting app operators, celebrities, and influencers.
- What
- ASCI's latest report highlights a significant increase in complaints against illegal offshore betting advertisements, leading to regulatory scrutiny and enforcement actions.
- Where
- India (advertising primarily targets Indian users, with offshore apps hosted outside the country).
- When
- April-September 2025
- Why
- To curb the proliferation of illegal betting ads, protect consumers from misleading promotions, and enforce India's advertising and gaming laws.
ASCI and Indian Regulators
Challenges in Enforcement
Legality and Advertising of Betting Apps
ASCI and Indian Regulators
ASCI reports a surge in complaints against offshore betting apps, which are considered illegal under India's laws, and has flagged thousands of such ads to relevant ministries.
Challenges in Enforcement
Offshore betting apps exploit legal loopholes by operating outside India, making them difficult to regulate and leading to the use of surrogate advertising tactics.
Platform and Influencer Involvement
ASCI and Indian Regulators
ASCI notes that a significant portion of these ads appear on major social media platforms like Meta and are promoted by influencers and celebrities, violating advertising codes.
Challenges in Enforcement
The nature of digital advertising, especially sponsored posts by smaller influencers and subtle brand mentions, makes it challenging to distinguish and report violations.
Enforcement Actions
ASCI and Indian Regulators
Regulators are actively investigating and questioning celebrities involved in endorsing these apps, with some assets already attached, indicating a move towards stricter enforcement.
Challenges in Enforcement
Despite actions, the widespread accessibility of these offshore apps via various online channels and their operation from tax havens present significant hurdles to complete enforcement.
Key facts
- Reporting Period
- April-September 2025
- ASCI Complaints Received
- 6,841
- Complaints Against Offshore Betting Apps
- Approx. two-thirds of total complaints
- Increase in Ads Reviewed
- 102% from the previous year
- Advertisements Reported to Government
- Over 4,500
- Social Media Platforms with Most Ads
- Meta (Instagram, Facebook)
- Enforcement Agencies Involved
- ED, CID, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre, Directorate General of GST Intelligence
Quotes
ASCI
The Advertising Standards Council of India
“reported more than 4,500 offshore betting app ads to the ministry of information & broadcasting, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre and the Directorate General of GST Intelligence.”
livemint.com
“complaints rose by 70% and the number of ads reviewed more than doubled, up 102% from the previous year, driven largely by betting-related content.”
livemint.com
Sources
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