The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting yesterday warned media entities to desist from promoting betting advertisements in any form as it posed socio-economic risks with the possible involvement of money laundering.

The government missive was aimed at all media industry stakeholders, including online advertisement intermediaries and social media platforms.

The media, according to an official statement put out yesterday, was advised to “immediately refrain from showing advertisements/promotional content on betting/gambling in any form”.

It added that “failure to adhere to this advisory may invite appropriate action” from the federal government under various regulations.

Citing a recent Central or federal Government action against a network of agents, which had collected substantial money from users of gambling apps and subsequently funnelling the funds out of India, MIB reiterated that advertisements of gambling/betting platforms pose significant financial and socio-economic risks for consumers, especially youth and children.

It further added that this mechanism has linkages to money laundering networks, thereby threatening the financial security of the country.

The Ministry stated in the advisory that along with these illegalities, it is also highly likely that black money is used to pay for such advertisements.

The Ministry noted that certain media entities, including advertisement intermediaries and social media platforms, have been allowing direct and indirect advertisements of betting and gambling platforms during major sporting events, including cricket tournaments — a practice that could have negative impact on the country.

It has also been observed that promotion of such betting and gambling platforms spiked during major sporting events, especially cricket, and one such important international event is beginning in a few days from now, the MIB stated, making it clear that stakeholders now should keep away from such ad campaigns.

The statement clarified that the MIB has issued advisories to warn media platforms against publicizing betting/gambling platforms earlier also. The online advertisement intermediaries were advised not to target such advertisements towards the Indian audience through several advisories in 2022 and 2023.

The present warning, along with earlier advisories, is available at: https://mib.gov.in/sites/default/files/Advisory%20dated%2025.08.2023%20with%20enclosures.pdf.