Actress Urvashi Rautela is under increasing scrutiny for endorsing illegal gambling and betting platforms. Despite government warnings and multiple regulations, Rautela has continued to appear in advertisements promoting 1xBet, an illegal betting site. This is not the first time the actress has faced backlash for her association with gambling platforms. Earlier, she was criticized for promoting Lotus365, another illegal gambling site, and was also under government investigation for promoting Mahadev Online Book, a notorious illegal betting platform.
Legal and Industry Concerns
The Real Money Gaming (RMG) industry has raised alarms about Rautela’s involvement with 1xBet, calling for legal action against the actress for promoting such platforms. Experts highlight that these platforms continue to flout government regulations, and the involvement of celebrities in advertising these illegal services only exacerbates the issue.
Jay Sayta, a Technology and Gaming lawyer, explained that such endorsements could lead to violations of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which targets false and misleading advertisements. He suggested that endorsers, media outlets, and companies facilitating these advertisements could face criminal prosecution. Additionally, celebrities endorsing such illegal platforms could be banned from promoting other products and services in the future.
Sayta also pointed out that many state gaming laws prohibit the advertisement and promotion of illegal gambling activities. Failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in serious consequences for both the endorsers and the companies involved.
Government Warnings and ASCI’s Inaction
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued an advisory cautioning celebrities, influencers, and media houses about promoting or endorsing offshore online gambling platforms. The advisory also highlighted the legal repercussions, including action under the Consumer Protection Act, removal of social media content, and penalties under relevant statutes for non-compliance.
Despite these warnings, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has been criticized for not enforcing guidelines effectively. Sandeep Goyal, Managing Director of Rediffusion, expressed frustration, labeling ASCI as a “toothless body” that has failed to act on surrogate advertising or prevent illegal gambling ads from circulating.
In response, Manisha Kapoor, CEO of ASCI, emphasized that the organization monitors illegal gambling advertisements and reports violations to the MIB. ASCI also collaborates with online gaming associations like AIGF, EGF, and FIFS to tackle illegal gambling ads, though critics argue that more proactive measures are needed.
Industry Backlash and Future Actions
Industry stakeholders are pushing for stronger legal actions against celebrities like Rautela who continue to promote illegal gambling platforms. The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has expressed its commitment to promoting responsible digital advertising and ensuring that government and ASCI guidelines are followed.
AIGF CEO Roland Landers criticized the continued presence of illegal betting ads in India, which often feature celebrity endorsements. He vowed to escalate the issue to the government to help curb these promotions and protect consumer interests.
Despite repeated outreach, Urvashi Rautela has declined to comment on the matter, leaving the controversy unresolved as the issue gains more attention from both legal authorities and industry watchdogs.
As the government and regulatory bodies work to address illegal gambling promotions, the role of celebrities in these campaigns remains a critical focus. The outcome of this situation could have long-term implications for how celebrity endorsements are regulated in the context of online gambling and betting platforms in India.
Reference: https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/actor-urvashi-rautela-under-scanner-for-promoting-illegal-gambling-platforms-58223.htm
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