According to The Hindu, in the fiscal year 2024-25, the number of complaints about gambling advertisements received by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) surged significantly, with offshore betting promotions becoming a focal point of complaints, accounting for nearly half of all violation cases.
Data shows that ASCI reviewed a total of 7,078 advertisements, of which 43.52% involved offshore betting and gambling content. The number of complaints about gambling advertisements jumped from 1,311 in the previous fiscal year to 3,081, more than doubling. Many of these advertisements promoted platforms that have been blacklisted by the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, yet they continue to be widely disseminated through digital channels. ASCI has submitted the relevant violation advertisements to the authorities to promote legal intervention.
In addition to gambling advertisements, 233 advertisements were reported for allegedly violating the 1954 Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, mostly involving unverified health claims and "miracle cure" promotions. Additionally, 21 advertisements for alcoholic beverages on social media were also reported to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
It is noteworthy that the special monitoring department for the real-money gaming industry, established in January 2025, played a key role in identifying and supervising gambling advertisements.
Influencer marketing violations remain severe. Of the 1,015 influencer promotion advertisements reviewed, 69% did not meet transparency requirements, with many advertisements lacking clear disclosure labels or hiding relevant information, making it difficult for consumers to recognize the nature of the advertisements. Only 29% of advertisers took appropriate disclosure measures.
The ASCI report also noted that five influencers began to comply with regulations following jury recommendations, while another five were referred to the Ministry of Health for continuous violations. Violation advertisements were mainly concentrated in the fashion and lifestyle sector (27.5%), followed by telecommunications products (21.7%) and personal care products (13%).
The surge in complaints reflects the severe challenges faced by Indian gambling advertisement regulation and highlights the necessity of enhancing advertisement transparency and implementing legal provisions.
