Offshore betting advertisements continue to proliferate in India despite the country’s ban on real-money online gaming and related promotions. This is according to new data from the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).
The regulator’s latest annual report shows that betting-related advertising remains the largest source of advertising violations. This highlights the ongoing challenges of enforcing restrictions across digital platforms.
Betting Ads Dominate Violations
ASCI reported that offshore betting advertisements accounted for 72.14% of all advertising violations flagged during FY26. They are the most significant compliance concern monitored by the watchdog.
The increase comes despite the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA). This act took effect in August 2025 and prohibits real-money online gaming activities and their promotion.
Before the legislation was introduced, ASCI identified an average of 594 offshore betting advertisements per month. Following the law’s implementation, the figure rose to 795 monthly advertisements. This indicates that enforcement measures have yet to curb promotional activity effectively.
Overall, the regulator identified and escalated 7,927 offshore betting advertisements during 2025, including 6,933 cases recorded between April and December.
Digital Platforms Drive Most Violations
Online channels remain the primary source of non-compliant advertising.
According to ASCI, 97.3% of all advertising violations reviewed during FY26 originated from digital platforms. Social media advertising accounted for a substantial share of those breaches. This reflects the growing role of online channels in promoting offshore betting services.
The findings underscore the difficulties regulators face in controlling cross-border gambling promotions. These promotions continue to target Indian consumers through digital ecosystems.
Influencer Marketing Under Increased Scrutiny
Influencer-led promotions also emerged as a major concern.
ASCI reviewed 1,609 influencer advertisements during the reporting period. It found that nearly 97% required modifications due to violations of advertising standards. More than half of those cases involved restricted sectors, including illegal betting and gambling promotions.
The regulator warned that influencer marketing continues to amplify questionable advertising practices. This is particularly true when promotional content appears as trusted recommendations rather than traditional advertising.
Enforcement Challenges Continue
ASCI Chairman Sudhanshu Vats said the digital advertising environment is becoming increasingly complex. It is driven by misleading claims, manufactured credibility, and influencer-driven content.
The watchdog reviewed 11,581 cases during FY26, a 21% increase compared to the previous year. The number of advertisements scrutinized rose 37% to 9,841.
Although violations were identified across sectors such as healthcare, real estate, personal care, food and beverages, and consumer electronics, offshore betting remained the single largest category of concern. This highlights the persistent challenge facing regulators despite India’s stricter gaming laws.
