ASCI Uncovers Instagram Fan Pages Earning from Illegal Betting Promotions
Offshore betting platforms pay Instagram fan and community pages between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000 daily to display their tags and tickers, according to the Advertising Standards Council of India's Half-Yearly Complaints Report 2024-25. This revelation underscores a surge in covert digital advertising for prohibited gambling services, with 831 such Instagram posts directing users to offshore sites. The findings highlight enforcement challenges as illegal promotions evade traditional oversight on social media.
Scale of Violations in Digital Advertising
Between April and September 2024, ASCI processed 4,016 complaints and scrutinized 3,031 advertisements, with 98 percent requiring modifications to comply with codes. Digital platforms dominated, accounting for 2,830 ads or 93 percent of cases handled. Illegal betting and gambling emerged as the second most common violation, representing 29 percent of code breaches, as these ads proliferated in innovative formats like subtle tickers on non-commercial pages.
Prominent Offenders and Promotion Tactics
Mostbet7 led with 347 violating ads, followed by Winmatch at 254 and 4rabet at 113. ASCI identified 50 websites and social media pages actively promoting these illegal platforms, alongside nine influencer endorsements. Fan pages, often focused on entertainment or communities, integrate betting logos seamlessly, monetizing visibility while platforms bypass direct advertising bans through third-party arrangements.
Regulatory Pushback and Path Forward
ASCI escalated 890 illegal betting ads to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for action, resulting in numerous page takedowns. The report emphasizes collaboration between regulators to address this digital evasion tactic. Persistent vigilance remains essential, as offshore operators exploit social media's reach, raising concerns over consumer protection and the integrity of online spaces amid evolving advertising practices.
