Illegal Betting Ads Dominate Advertising Violations in India
Prevalence of Illegal Betting Advertisements in India
India continues to face challenges with illegal gambling advertisements, which make up the majority of marketing violations in the country. Official statistics indicate that between April and September, approximately 75% of all advertising violations were related to unauthorized betting promotions.
Sports Betting Ads Account for Most Violations
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) reported that in the first half of the 2025-26 fiscal year, nearly three-quarters of advertising complaints were connected to betting. The ASCI reviewed 6,117 ads following 6,841 complaints, signaling a 70% rise in complaints and a 102% jump in ads investigated compared to previous periods.
This increase does not necessarily point to a higher volume of ads but reflects better consumer vigilance, enhanced monitoring, and stronger cooperation with regulatory bodies.
Out of the ads investigated, 4,575 were identified as illegal betting advertisements. Additionally, three cases were found involving surrogate advertising. Following betting ads, the personal care sector recorded the second highest number of violations with 367 cases. Other sectors included healthcare with 332 breaches, food and beverage with 211, and education with 71. These five categories represented 90% of all processed ad violations.
The ASCI highlighted that nearly all, 98%, of the ads investigated required changes to meet advertising standards.
Majority of Violations Occur on Digital Platforms
The ASCI found that most advertising violations happen online, with digital channels accounting for 97% of the reported cases. Meta-owned platforms alone represented nearly 79% of these violations. Other sources included various websites (13.7%), Google platforms (4.6%), and property listing portals (3%). Traditional media such as television and newspapers made up less than 3% of violations.
Influencer advertisements drew particular attention, with 1,173 promotions analyzed. Of these, 98% required modifications, 59% promoted prohibited products, and 76% failed to comply with India’s disclosure regulations.
Maintaining Consumer Trust is a Top Priority
Manisha Kapoor, CEO and Secretary General of the ASCI, expressed concern over the persistent presence of illegal betting ads despite existing bans. Kapoor also noted the troubling lack of standards among influencers promoting these ads.
She emphasized that consumer trust is delicate and stressed the importance of strict advertising standards to protect this trust.
On a positive note, there has been an uptick in cases resolved without dispute and increased voluntary compliance from advertisers.
