Home / Business and Economy / India's Ad Watchdog Flags 6,900+ Betting Ad Violations
India's Ad Watchdog Flags 6,900+ Betting Ad Violations
28 May
Summary
- Offshore betting ads were the most violative category in FY26.
- Digital platforms dominated ad violations, accounting for 97.3% of cases.
- Influencer marketing ads also showed high violation rates, needing modification.
In the fiscal year 2025-26, offshore betting advertisements were identified as the most significant violators of advertising standards. The Advertising Standards Council of India (Asci) reported over 6,900 cases related to this sector, constituting a substantial portion of the more than 9,000 violations recorded. Overall, Asci reviewed 11,581 cases concerning 9,841 advertisements, marking a 21% rise in scrutiny compared to the prior year.
The digital advertising ecosystem was found to be the primary medium for these infringements, with 97.3% of scrutinized ads appearing on digital platforms. This highlights the extensive use of online channels to propagate potentially misleading information. The violations primarily involved the promotion of harmful products or situations, accounting for 75.4% of breaches, followed by false or misleading claims at 27.5%.
Further analysis revealed that influencer marketing also posed a considerable challenge. Out of 1,609 influencer ads reviewed, an overwhelming 97.3% necessitated modifications, drawing attention to the need for greater oversight in this area. Other sectors showing notable violations included realty, personal care, and food and beverages.
