CCPA issues advisory against betting and gambling advertising

Amid an increase in unlawful activities such as betting and gambling, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Wednesday warned against direct and surrogate advertisement and endorsement of such activities.

The CCPA said that those promoting unlawful activities would be subject to "rigorous scrutiny" and strict action would be taken against them under the provision of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Betting and gambling are prohibited in India under the Public Gambling Act 1867 and are considered illegal in most parts of India.

"Advertisement of online betting platforms and apps promotes an activity that is predominantly banned and carries significant financial and socio-economic implications on consumers, particularly the youth," it said.

'Refrain from promoting illegal betting': CCPA to celebrities and influencers

The regulator also advised celebrities and influencers to refrain from promoting illegal betting and gambling platforms.

"It has come to our attention that betting platforms are employing celebrities and influencers to endorse and promote their betting activities. Consequently, endorsement by celebrities gives the impression that indulging in such activity is acceptable. Engaging in the promotion or advertisement of online gambling and betting, given its unlawful status in the majority of the states, renders one equally liable for participating in an illegal activity. Hence, celebrities and influencers are advised to refrain from endorsing and promoting illegal betting and gambling activities," CCPA said.

The consumer authority added that the 'Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022' prohibits advertisements of products or services forbidden under law.

Last year, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had advised media, online advertisement intermediaries and social media platforms to refrain from promoting betting and gambling. It had warned of appropriate action if the advisory was not followed.