The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued strict instructions against advertising for betting sites during the World Cup 2023. With betting and gambling likely to increase around the global event, the Indian Government has advised caution. A failure to do so could lead to severe consquences, the ministry informed in a statement.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Friday issued a statement advising “all stakeholders, including the media entities, online advertisement intermediaries and social media platforms”, to immediately refrain from showing advertisements and promotional content on betting or gambling in any form.
The statement is unlikely to deter any form advertising for fantasy platforms. Dream11, which is the new Team India sponsor, will feature on the sleeve of the Indian kit. Similary, other fantasy platforms are clear to advertise their brand and product during the tournament. The clamp down is only on websites that encourage gambling and betting.
The ministry believes a lot of ‘black money’ is used to pay for betting advertisements. The diktat from the centre is not uncommon, with a similar statement issued during the IPL 2023. The advisories have stated that betting and gambling is an illegal activity and hence advertisements or promotion of the same falls foul under the Consumer Protection Act.
The World Cup 2023 kicks off on October 5. Star Sports will broadcast the entire tournament. Both BCCI and Disney Star will be wary of facing the centre’s wrath.
