Indian Gaming Firms Warn Of Offshore Betting Ads On Social Media

Real money gaming companies in India have raised concerns over a growing wave of offshore betting advertisements circulating across social media platforms. These campaigns frequently misuse the branding of established domestic gaming operators in order to redirect users toward foreign-hosted gambling websites.

The issue has drawn attention while the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (PROGA) remains unnotified. Industry observers say the absence of a fully operational regulatory framework has created conditions in which offshore betting operators are able to target Indian users through aggressive online marketing.

Over recent months, digital advertising linked to offshore gambling platforms has appeared on channels such as Instagram, Telegram and YouTube. These advertisements often mimic the identity of well-known Indian gaming brands, using similar logos, messaging and design elements to create confusion among potential users.

The strategy frequently involves sponsored posts suggesting that popular domestic fantasy sports or gaming apps have resumed cash-based contests, accompanied by limited-time promotional offers. Users who click on these promotions are redirected to betting platforms hosted outside India.

Several Indian gaming platforms have issued advisories to alert users about the rise of impersonation campaigns.

Dream11 released a notice cautioning users about “fraudulent third party brands impersonating Dream11 through their products, ads and posts on social media platforms to deceive users,” while encouraging players to avoid sharing financial information and to report suspicious activity. The company also confirmed that it had discontinued paid fantasy sports contests in response to regulatory developments.

Probo, an opinion trading platform, issued a similar alert to its users. The company warned about messages claiming that “Probo is back,” clarifying that its operations remain suspended and advising users not to engage with misleading promotions.

Industry stakeholders suggest that offshore betting operators are deliberately using the recognition of domestic gaming brands to attract attention and redirect traffic to international gambling sites.

Among the platforms referenced in these campaigns are foreign-hosted services such as Predik, 1xBet, Parimatch and Aviator. Many of these operators fall outside the direct enforcement reach of Indian authorities.

Advertising tactics vary across platforms. Some Instagram posts promote supposed cash contests linked to well-known apps. Telegram groups appear using similar names and logos to domestic gaming brands while sharing betting tips and links to offshore sportsbooks. In other cases, influencer videos advertise what appear to be legitimate opinion trading applications that redirect users to external betting exchanges after installation.

Affiliate-driven promotions also play a role. These advertisements frequently promote “tax-free betting” and instant withdrawal options, sometimes using altered screenshots of legitimate gaming interfaces or referencing celebrities and government officials to reinforce credibility.

Legal analysts point to the delayed implementation of PROGA, 2025 as a factor contributing to the current situation.

Jay Sayta, Technology & Gaming Lawyer, noted that domestic gaming platforms whose intellectual property is misused in advertisements may pursue legal remedies through Indian courts. Such actions could lead to injunctions requiring the removal of apps, websites and social media accounts linked to impersonation.

“It is now well documented that the passage of PROGA has resulted in shutdown of legitimate local skill-based operators but a manifold proliferation of offshore betting sites. The irony is that although domestic companies have shut operation, since PROGA has not been brought into force till date, offshore betting websites cannot be investigated, prosecuted and brought to book under the new law thereby emboldening them,” Sayta said.

Observers say the regulatory uncertainty has produced a situation in which compliant domestic platforms remain cautious while offshore operators expand their advertising reach.

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Questions have also been raised regarding the responsibility of social media companies that host advertisements linked to offshore betting services.

Aurelia Menezes, Partner at King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates and Attorneys, addressed the issue of intermediary responsibility under Indian law.

“Social media platforms may be held accountable for advertisements that direct users to illegal gambling and betting websites if they fail to exercise the due diligence required of intermediaries under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.”

“While platforms generally enjoy safe harbour protection, such protection is conditional upon acting responsibly once they gain knowledge of unlawful content. If misleading or illegal gambling advertisements continue to run, or are not removed after being reported, questions arise about whether platforms are indirectly facilitating unlawful betting activities and misleading users,” Menezes said.

Industry specialists say domestic gaming companies must monitor how their trademarks appear in online advertisements and report instances of impersonation to social networks and advertising platforms. Legal action may also be required when brand identities are misused.

Consumer awareness is also seen as an important factor in addressing the issue. Experts note that misleading promotions often rely on brand familiarity to attract users who may not realize that they are interacting with offshore gambling services.

Until PROGA, 2025 is formally implemented and enforcement mechanisms are established, industry observers expect offshore betting advertisements targeting Indian users to remain a challenge within the digital advertising ecosystem.

Source:

Brand clones, cash bonuses: Real Money Gaming firms raise alarm over offshore betting Ads on social media, storyboard18.com, March 5, 2026.