Don't carry online betting advertisements, govt reminds digital platforms

In June, the I&B Ministry had first issued its directive on online betting ads, saying that gambling was illegal in most parts of the country

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) issued a directive on Monday to digital news media and over-the-top platforms to refrain from carrying online betting advertisements. This is the second time in five months that the government has issued such an advisory, following the continued visibility of online betting ads on these platforms, it said.

The ministry also pointed to the presence of surrogate news websites operated by online betting platforms as a matter of concern. It said that these platforms were violating existing rules.

In June, the I&B Ministry had first issued its directive on online betting ads, saying that gambling