In a bid to curb the proliferation of online gambling and betting activities, the Tamil Nadu government has proposed stringent measures against the advertisement of such services through outdoor media channels. The move comes as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to regulate online gaming and clamp down on the detrimental effects of gambling addiction.According to a recent release from the state government, individuals or entities found promoting online gambling and betting through hoardings, posters, banners, autorickshaw branding, and other outdoor mediums will face severe repercussions. The government has urged citizens to report any instances of online gambling advertisements via the website ‘www.tnonlinegamingauthority.
The initiative falls under the ambit of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022, which unequivocally prohibits the playing of online gambling and games of chance. Under this legislation, offenders could face imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to Rs. 5,000, or both.
Moreover, financial institutions and payment gateways are prohibited from facilitating transactions related to online gambling or games of chance. The Act also prohibits the advertisement of such services, explicitly stating that no individual or entity shall promote or induce others to engage in online gambling through any form of media, including electronic communication.
Stringent penalties await those who flout these regulations, with imprisonment of up to one year and fines reaching Rs. 5 lakh for individuals or companies involved in advertising online gambling services. Repeat offenders face even harsher consequences, with imprisonment ranging from one to three years and fines escalating to Rs. 10 lakh.
The crackdown on online gambling advertisements aligns with directives from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), which underscores the ban on advertisements promoting prohibited activities or services. Celebrities, advertisement firms, producers, and social media platforms involved in disseminating such content also risk facing legal action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and other relevant legislation.