India’s digital landscape is undergoing a transformative shift as regulators, industry groups, and consumers come together to create a safer and more transparent advertising environment. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has taken center stage in ensuring that misleading or harmful promotions—especially those related to offshore betting—are addressed with greater efficiency. What once appeared as a challenge is now becoming an opportunity to strengthen consumer protection, foster responsible gaming practices, and ensure a level playing field for businesses.
Strengthening Consumer Protection in Digital Advertising
Recent findings from the ASCI’s 2024–25 Annual Complaints Report highlight how far regulatory efforts have come. The Council reviewed more than 7,000 advertisements and found that decisive action was needed in most cases, demonstrating the commitment to cleaner and safer advertising. Offshore betting, which once posed a significant risk, is now receiving close monitoring and swift intervention. This reflects not just regulatory vigilance but also a broader cultural shift toward prioritizing consumer rights and digital safety.
In the Indian segment of the Internet, it is very common to see advertisements for fast-paced gambling games. Plinko stands out particularly strongly against this backdrop.
The popularity of this simple arcade game is high in many countries around the world, especially in the Asian region. According to statistics, Plinko games in India are almost as popular as in Europe and the USA, and the number of new players is growing every year.
The popularity of this game is evidenced by the fact that it often appears in online casino catalogs. If you explore Plinko Games, you can find Plinko in the portfolios of many well-known iGaming brands. Moreover, in many online casinos, this title is listed among the most popular.
Collaboration Between Regulators and Industry
A landmark development has been the creation of a special monitoring unit in January 2025. Formed in partnership with the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports, the All India Gaming Federation, and the E-Gaming Federation, the unit uses real-time detection tools to identify and remove misleading ads. The collaboration illustrates how regulators and industry leaders are working side by side to curb malpractice while encouraging the growth of a safe, regulated gaming ecosystem.
The Role of Technology and Public Participation
Technology and consumer involvement are both playing crucial roles in this progress. While ASCI’s systems detected the majority of problematic ads, consumer complaints rose sharply, reflecting a growing public awareness of digital rights. The use of advanced tracking methods—including monitoring keywords and social media tags—has enabled faster and more accurate detection of disguised promotions. This shows how community vigilance and technological innovation can combine to safeguard consumers.
Toward a Fairer Digital Marketplace
The surge in public awareness and regulatory intervention is helping to reshape India’s digital advertising sector into one that prioritizes fairness and accountability. By targeting misleading promotions, regulators are not only protecting individuals from financial harm but also fostering trust in digital platforms. This trust is essential for the sustainable growth of India’s online gaming and entertainment industries.
Looking Ahead: A Safer and More Responsible Ecosystem
The path forward is promising. With stronger enforcement, ongoing partnerships, and evolving policies, India is steadily building a digital ecosystem where responsible advertising thrives. The focus is shifting from violations to solutions, ensuring that consumers are protected, businesses operate transparently, and the online gaming industry can flourish in a regulated and trustworthy environment.
