Online Betting And Gambling

Source: PIB
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Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Highlights of Guidelines
3. Online Gambling Game in India
4. How is India regulating online Gambling Game?

Why in the News?

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has today advised all endorsers and influencers on social media to refrain from promoting or advertising, including surrogate advertisements, of offshore online betting and gambling platforms

News in Brief

• These advertisements have significant financial and socio-economic implications of online betting and gambling on consumers, particularly the youth.
• The Ministry has further advised the online advertisement intermediaries not to target such promotional content towards the Indian audience.
• Social media intermediaries have also been advised to conduct sensitization efforts among their users to refrain from publishing such content.

Highlights of Guidelines

• The guidelines prohibit the endorsement and advertisement of activities prohibited by law, including betting or gambling, and caution that any such endorsements or advertisements will be subject to rigorous scrutiny.
• Socio-economic implications: The Ministry has said that these advertisements have significant financial and socio-economic implications of online betting and gambling on consumers, particularly the youth.
• Social media intermediaries have also been advised to conduct sensitization efforts among their users to refrain from publishing such content.
• Penalty: The advisory cautions that failure to comply with it may lead to proceedings under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 including removal or disabling of social media posts or accounts and penal action under the applicable statutes.
• These guidelines apply to all advertisements regardless of the medium and are aimed at protecting consumers, particularly the youth, from the potential harms associated with illegal betting and gambling.

Online Gambling Game in India

• Online gambling in India is a topic that encompasses a wide range of games and activities, including casino games, sports betting, poker, and more.
• The legal status of online gambling in India is complex and subject to interpretation, as gambling laws vary by state and are influenced by outdated statutes like the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which does not specifically address online gambling.
• However, despite the legal ambiguity, online gambling has seen significant growth in India due to the widespread availability of internet access and the popularity of smartphones. V
• Various international and domestic operators offer online gambling platforms, attracting millions of users across the country.

Key Facts

• Legal Ambiguity: The legal status of online gambling in India is ambiguous, with no clear federal regulations specifically addressing online gambling.
• State Regulations: While some states have outright banned gambling, others have enacted laws that allow certain forms of gambling, such as lotteries or horse racing betting.
• Growing Market: Despite legal uncertainties, the online gambling market in India is estimated to be worth billions of dollars annually and is expected to continue growing.
• Popular Games: Common online gambling games in India include sports betting on cricket and other sports, online casinos offering slots and table games, and poker.
• Youth Engagement: Online gambling has particularly appealed to the younger generation in India, who are tech-savvy and eager to explore new forms of entertainment.

How is India regulating online Gambling Game?

• Public Gambling Act of 1867: This is a central law that prohibits gambling in public places. However, it does not explicitly mention online gambling.
• Prize Competition Act of 1955: This law prohibits prize competitions where the winnings are more than Rs. 1,000.
• Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: This law regulates online intermediaries, including online gaming platforms.

Way Forward

• Regulatory Framework: There is a need for clear and updated regulations governing online gambling in India, taking into account technological advancements and societal concerns.
• Responsible Gambling Measures: Operators should implement responsible gambling measures to protect players, including age verification, self-exclusion options, and resources for problem gambling support.
• Public Awareness: Educating the public about the risks and benefits of online gambling can help individuals make informed decisions and seek help when needed.
• International Cooperation: Collaboration with international regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders can provide valuable insights and best practices for regulating online gambling effectively.

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