The I&B Ministry advised the print, electronic and digital media to refrain from advertising on online betting platforms. Betting and gambling is illegal in most parts of the country. It is risky for the consumers both economically and socially.

The advisory has been issued in the larger public interest. There are online advertisements in the social media. There are advertisements of intermediaries and publishers. These ads are displayed in India and targeted to Indian audience. These ads are misleading and violate the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Advertising code under the Cable TV Network Regulation Act, 1995. It violates the press norms of the press code of the Press Council of India under the Press Council Act, 1978.

The Ministry has already issued advisory on advertisements of online gaming which should conform to ASCI guidelines, 2020.