INDIAN GAMING
92% of online gaming ads failed to comply with norms, sector most violative: ASCI report
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) annual complaints report for 2022-23 has revealed that 92% of gaming advertisements did not comply with the real money gaming ad guidelines. These guidelines have been formed with the objective to inform users of potential fi nancial risks of online gaming. ASCI reviewed 7,928 advertisements across
print, digital and television from various sectors. The council noted a drastic increase in the number of misleading ads involving celebrities – 503 compared to 55 from last year’s report, showing an increase of 803%. 97% of those celebrity ads lacked evidence of due diligence as mandated by the Consumer Protection Act. The infl uencer ad complaint count stood at 2,039 with 26% found guilty of violation.
Maharashtra: MNS’ Manoj Chavan once again urges to implement casino regulations in state
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) General Secretary Manoj Chavan has, on May 16, drafted a formal request to the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to consider implementation of laws related to casino regulations in the state of Maharashtra. This request has been made with a primary intention to increase tourism revenues in the state. A similar request was made by Chavan back in
February 2023, however, the state government did not entertain the same. Chavan has backed that if casinos are allowed to operate in the state, it will lead to generation of tourism from across the globe, and thereby, generate handsome revenues for the state. Maharashtra’s neighbour Goa has been popular
for its casinos and many tourists who visit Goa also play at several offshore as well as onshore casinos. In Sikkim too, there are various fi ve-star casinos being set up. Since Maharashtra also has many tourist places like Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Mumbai, and Konkan to name a few, setting up casinos at these spots is likely to attract a number of visitors all the year round. In his letter, Chavan also wrote that despite the
state seeing some indispensable amount of industrial growth and infrastructural facilities, the
24 JUNE 2023
Maharashtra Casinos (Regulation and Taxation) Act of 1976 has been in the dust ever since it was passed in the legislative assembly.
Casinos to bring $1.1 billion revenue to the state – Reports Manoj Chavan backed his request by showcasing how the state would benefi t with an estimated revenue of $1.1 billion (as reported by Global Market Advisors) if casinos are allowed to operate. He also went on to say that a 28% GST on casino and gaming would create approximately $308 million to the government, which will be in addition to the license fees from the casino operators. Chavan also claimed that casino-gaming
industry will bolster the sectors such as tourism, entertainment, hospitality, thus bringing indirect tax revenue to the government and employment opportunities in Maharashtra. Since this is the second time that MNS General
Secretary has written to the state government, it remains to be seen whether his request gets any response in the state’s legislative assembly.
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developments relating to online gaming, poker, gambling, casino, cricket betting and esports in India and the Indian subcontinent.
www.g2g.news Guidelines for real money gaming ads were
released back in December 2020 with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issuing an advisory asking the companies to follow them. Despite the advisory, the sector was the least compliant, moving from fi fth last year to fi rst this year. Meanwhile, only 50% of the ads were modifi ed after being called out. Talking about the report, CEO and secretary
general of ASCI, Manisha Kapoor said, “The complaints’ analysis for 2022–23 shows that the digital medium is leading in terms of violative ads. This raises signifi cant concerns about online consumer safety and trust.” “Advertisers, content creators and platforms must come together to address this issue on an urgent basis to protect consumer interests. In addition, the sharp increase in the number of violative gaming ads needs serious attention from
the industry,” she added as quoted by The Financial Express. ASCI has adopted an AI-based tracking tool
to scrutinise ads and catch violators. It is said to be working effectively in spite of the vast number of ads that it needs to process. Talking about the new surveillance system,
chairman of ASCI, NS Rajan said, “Stepping up our surveillance through AI-based tools and a robust complaint management system has ensured that ASCI is keeping pace with this dynamic environment. Updating our codes to refl ect newer consumer concerns makes sure the ASCI codes remain contemporary.”
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