In India, unauthorized betting advertisements have become a significant challenge, dominantly contributing to advertising-related violations. Official data reveals that from April to September, betting ad violations accounted for roughly 75% of all marketing infractions.
A significant portion of these breaches relates to sports betting. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has reported that during the first half of the 2025-26 fiscal year, around three out of four advertising violations were connected to betting. This conclusion came after the ASCI received a staggering 6,841 complaints and thoroughly investigated 6,117 separate advertisements. These numbers show a 70% rise in complaints and a 102% increase in the number of ads scrutinized.
The ASCI has clarified that this increase in figures does not necessarily indicate a surge in the number of violations but rather reflects improved consumer awareness, better surveillance mechanisms, and enhanced cooperation with regulatory authorities.
It was noted that illegal betting ads constituted approximately 75% of all advertising breaches. The regulatory agency reported that 4,575 of the examined advertisements were linked to illegal betting activities. Additionally, the ASCI identified three instances of surrogate advertising, which attempts to circumvent direct advertising restrictions.
While betting ads topped the list, the personal care industry also featured prominently. The ASCI recorded 367 violations related to personal care advertisements, placing this sector second in terms of volume. Healthcare ad violations numbered 332, followed by the food and beverage sector with 211 breaches. Educational advertisement violations were relatively lower, at 71. Combined, these five sectors made up 90% of all processed advertisements.
Crucially, the ASCI determined that 98% of the ads that were scrutinized required alteration in some form.
The majority of these violations were found online. According to the ASCI’s findings, digital platforms were responsible for 97% of the infractions. Platforms owned by Meta led with 78.9% of all reported digital violations. Additionally, 13.7% of the violations occurred across various other websites, 4.6% on Google platforms, and 3% on property portals.
Traditional media, such as television and newspapers, accounted for less than 3% of the total violations.
The ASCI also examined 1,173 influencer advertisements and discovered that nearly all of them, 98%, required changes. Furthermore, 59% of these influencer promotions were linked to prohibited products, and 76% breached India’s disclosure norms.
Manisha Kapoor, the ASCI’s chief executive officer and secretary-general, expressed concern over the persistent presence of betting ads despite the ban. Kapoor also voiced disappointment over the apparent lack of standards among influencers. She noted that consumer trust is delicate, emphasizing the necessity for India to uphold high advertising standards.
Despite these challenges, there is a positive aspect: an increase in uncontested cases and instances of voluntary compliance. This suggests that some advertisers are beginning to acknowledge the importance of adhering to regulatory expectations without the need for intervention.
However, there is a contrasting viewpoint to consider. Some industry experts argue that the sheer volume of digital content makes comprehensive monitoring and enforcement challenging. They suggest that while regulatory bodies like the ASCI play a critical role, there is also a need for more robust and scalable solutions to manage and regulate online advertising effectively.
These experts propose that part of the solution could involve the development of advanced AI-driven tools that can automatically detect and flag potential violations across digital platforms. Such tools could significantly enhance the efficiency of regulatory efforts, especially in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Another perspective comes from advertising agencies that argue for clearer guidelines and greater communication between regulators and the industry. They claim that while the intention is to comply with regulations, the dynamic nature of digital marketing often leads to unintentional breaches. Improved dialogue and understanding between all stakeholders could lead to more effective compliance and fewer violations.
The ongoing battle against illegal betting advertisements in India underscores the complex dynamics of modern advertising, particularly in the digital age. As regulators, consumers, and industry players navigate these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that advertising practices are fair, transparent, and trustworthy. With continued efforts and collaboration, there is hope that the situation will improve, fostering a more ethical advertising environment in the country.
David Harrison stands tall in gambling journalism, marrying his firsthand casino experiences with a deep understanding of betting psychology. His articles transform complex gambling jargon into engaging tales of strategy and chance, making the world of betting accessible and enjoyable. David’s knack for narrative extends beyond print, making him a sought-after speaker on gambling trends and future bets. In the realm of gambling, David is both a scholar and a storyteller, captivating readers and listeners alike.
