Central Consumer Protection Authority issues guidelines on betting and gambling endorsements

Hyderabad: In response to the surge in advertisements promoting illegal activities such as betting and gambling, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a comprehensive advisory, in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Emphasizing the prohibition of advertising, promotion, and endorsement of unlawful activities, the advisory targets the persistent issue of online platforms promoting betting and gambling, both directly and under the guise of gaming.

"Betting and gambling are strictly prohibited under the Public Gambling Act, 1867, and are considered illegal in the majority of regions across the country," stated the advisory. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's efforts in issuing advisories to media platforms cautioning against publicizing betting and gambling platforms have been underscored.

"The Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022, categorically prohibit advertisements of products or services prohibited under any prevailing law," reiterated the advisory.

Celebrities and influencers are specifically warned that engaging in the promotion or advertisement of online gambling and betting, given its unlawful status, renders one equally liable for participating in an illegal activity. The CCPA urges all stakeholders to strictly adhere to these guidelines and refrain from promoting or endorsing activities illegal under Indian law.

The advisory concludes with a stern warning, stating, "Any advertisement or endorsement of activities prohibited by law, including but not limited to betting or gambling, shall be subject to rigorous scrutiny. If any violation is found, stringent measures, as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, will be initiated against involved stakeholders, including manufacturers, advertisers, publishers, intermediaries, social media platforms, endorsers, and any other relevant parties."