Online gambling is a massive income generator for the Indian economy with the market size reaching $2.7 billion in 2023.
The Indian government is ramping up efforts to tackle online gambling promotions, especially targeting social media influencers who play a pivotal role in marketing these platforms.
With the rise of online betting, authorities are now issuing warnings and taking legal action to protect consumers, particularly vulnerable groups like young people.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has warned influencers that promoting gambling sites violates Indian laws, as these platforms often engage in unregulated and illegal operations. Recently, legal actions have been initiated against individuals promoting such sites on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
Interestingly, many of these platforms attract users with offers like no deposit free spins, as seen on the India-focused page on FreeSpinsTracker, a website that highlights such promotions. Authorities aim to curb these practices to protect consumers from falling into gambling traps.
The Rise of Online Gambling and Social Media Influence
Social media influencers have become powerful marketing tools for a wide range of products, and online gambling platforms are no exception. Influencers often promote gambling platforms such as poker, rummy, and other betting games, enticing their audiences with promises of quick cash rewards. These promotions tend to gloss over the risks of gambling addiction and financial losses, luring followers into believing that winning is easy
With the cricket season and other high-profile events around the corner, betting advertisements on social media platforms are expected to surge. This has prompted the Indian government to intensify its warnings and crack down on promotions linked to online gambling
Legal Actions and Penalties
The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has stepped in, issuing an advisory against promoting offshore gambling sites. The advisory highlights that such promotions are illegal under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules of 2021. Social media influencers who continue to promote these platforms may face severe legal consequences, including hefty fines and potential jail time
Tamil Nadu is one of the leading states that are taking action against gambling promotions. The Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) has issued show-cause notices to social media influencers promoting gambling platforms. If found guilty, these influencers could face fines of up to ₹10 lakh or a prison sentence of up to three years
Gambling Addiction and Its Social Consequences
In addition to influencers, social media platforms themselves are facing increased scrutiny. The government has urged these platforms to adopt stricter content moderation practices, ensuring that gambling promotions are flagged and removed. Platforms are also being encouraged to educate users about the dangers of gambling addiction
The promotion of online gambling by influencers raises significant concerns about the societal impact of such activities. Gambling addiction, particularly among young people, can lead to severe financial hardship, strained relationships, and mental health issues. Influencers, who hold sway over their followers, are being called out for failing to emphasise these risks while promoting online betting.
The government’s crackdown is part of a broader effort to regulate online content that poses a risk to public welfare. As legal actions against influencers and platforms gain momentum, the digital landscape for online gambling promotion is rapidly changing.
In short, the Indian government’s crackdown on social media influencers promoting online gambling is a significant step toward addressing the rising concerns over gambling addiction and financial loss. As regulations tighten, influencers and platforms alike must navigate the complex legal landscape or face severe repercussions. This move reflects the growing recognition of the harmful effects of unregulated online gambling in India.
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