AIGF lauds MIB action against illegal offshore gambling platforms

In the lead up to the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued an advisory to celebrities and influencers against Advertisement of Illegal Offshore Online Gambling platforms. In the advisory, the ministry said such sites pose significant financial and socio-economic risks for consumers, especially youth and children and has asked celebrities and influencers to not participate in or promote advertisements of offshore gambling platform.

 MIB has also mentioned that appropriate legal action including penal action and blocking of social media accounts sharing such advertisement can be taken against the violators. All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), the apex Industry body for online gaming has been consistently highlighting this menace since 2018 and has been at the forefront in providing all relevant information to all government bodies and ministries.

 Lauding the move to issue the advisory, Roland Landers, CEO, All India Gaming Federation said, “We are grateful to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for being so proactive and taking such decisive actions against the illegal offshore gambling platforms, which have been advertising in India directly and also using surrogate advertisements, and are engaging top sports and movie celebrities for the same.

 MIB has issued several advisors since June ’22 and we have gradually seen a substantial decrease in the advertisements of offshore platforms on TV networks and OTT platforms. The advertisements have also reduced from print publications and online social media platforms, and we hope this advisory will lead to a complete eradication of this menace.

 We hope that the latest advisory will deter the celebrities from engaging with these anti-national and illegal platforms, which are a danger to India’s economic and social security.”

 Landers further added, “This will also help in distinguishing legitimate Indian online skill gaming operators, which provide the highest player protection measures and are a form of entertainment against these illegal gambling sites which are the main reason for widespread consumer harm and problems.

 AIGF has been highlighting this menace since 2016, and has been constantly taking up these issues with various Central Ministries and also providing evidence of such advertising. We will continue to monitor this and report any infraction to the Government.”