The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has recently escalated the issue of illegal betting and gambling platforms advertising on various media outlets to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). The regulatory body has raised concerns about the increasing number of such ads being aired on television, radio, and digital platforms, which are in violation of the law.
According to ASCI, these advertisements promote illegal betting and gambling activities, which are prohibited in India under the Public Gambling Act of 1867. The council has received numerous complaints from concerned citizens and industry stakeholders about the proliferation of these ads, which often target vulnerable populations, including minors and low-income individuals.
ASCI has conducted a thorough investigation into the matter and found that many of these ads do not carry the mandatory disclaimers and warnings about the risks associated with gambling. Furthermore, they often make false claims about the potential winnings and rewards, which can be misleading and deceptive to consumers.
In a letter to the MIB, ASCI has requested that immediate action be taken to curb the airing of such illegal ads on media platforms. The council has urged the ministry to enforce existing laws and regulations to prevent the spread of illegal betting and gambling activities in the country.
In response to ASCI’s letter, a spokesperson for the MIB stated, “We take the issue of illegal betting and gambling advertising very seriously and will work closely with ASCI and other relevant authorities to address this problem. The ministry is committed to protecting consumers from harmful and misleading ads, and we will take appropriate action against any violators.”
Industry experts have also expressed their support for ASCI’s efforts to crack down on illegal betting and gambling ads. They believe that such ads not only violate the law but also pose a threat to the integrity of sports and the well-being of individuals who may be lured into gambling addiction.
Overall, ASCI’s initiative to escalate the issue of illegal betting and gambling ads to the MIB is a step in the right direction towards creating a more responsible and ethical advertising environment in India. By working together with government authorities and industry stakeholders, we can protect consumers from harmful ads and promote a safer and more transparent media landscape.
