Tamil Nadu Offshore Gambling Alliance (TNOGA) draws approval from All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) for their efforts to restrict betting marketing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League

In a significant move, the Indian government has intensified its regulatory crackdown on illegal gambling and betting websites and apps, including offshore operators that flout Indian tax and legal rules. This clampdown extends to popular sports tournaments and leagues, such as the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).

The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), the apex industry body for online gaming in India, has commended the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) for taking action against surrogate advertising of offshore gambling platforms during the TNPL.

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The TNPL ban on surrogate advertising follows a series of regulatory measures and enforcement mechanisms. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), empowered by the Information Technology Act and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act, directs internet intermediaries to block unregistered foreign gambling platforms that operate without Indian registration or tax compliance.

Offshore platforms must register under the IGST framework and pay the applicable 28% GST on online gaming revenues. Non-compliance leads to blocking orders. Major digital platforms like Google have also banned gambling-related advertising in India unless for certified social casino games, a restrictive policy that serves to limit surrogate advertising and indirect promotion of offshore gambling.

The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) and additional agencies like the Enforcement Directorate monitor and act against illegal gambling advertisements and surrogate promotion, especially focusing on platforms evading Indian jurisdiction and tax laws.

These regulations are actively enforced to cover online spaces, including those related to popular sports tournaments and leagues, to curb illicit promotion and protect consumer interests. AIGF is committed to supporting government efforts in building a safe, transparent, and regulated online gaming ecosystem in India.

Dr. Sutanu Behuria, the President of AIGF, stated that TNOGA's action sets a precedent for promoting responsible gaming and protecting Indian consumers from illegal betting operators. PK Misra, appointed as the President of the Players' Wing of the AIGF, also praised TNOGA's intervention, deeming it necessary and praiseworthy.

The AIGF's combined user base exceeds 40 crore digital Nagriks, and its total member valuation is over $10 billion. The federation aims to make gaming a cornerstone of Digital India and a key driver of the $1 trillion digital economy.

In conclusion, the current regulations in India forbid surrogate advertising of offshore gambling operators by imposing blocking orders on unregistered platforms, restricting digital advertising of gambling, and enforcing tax compliance. These regulations are actively enforced to cover online spaces, including those related to popular sports tournaments and leagues, such as the TNPL, to curb illicit promotion and protect consumer interests.

[1] India Today [2] The Hindu [3] The Economic Times [4] Business Standard

The Indian government is intensifying its crackdown on illegal gambling and betting websites and apps, including those in the sports sector like the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).
The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has commended the TNOGA for taking action against surrogate advertising of offshore gambling platforms during the TNPL, as offshore platforms must now register under the IGST framework and pay applicable taxes.
Major digital platforms like Google have banned gambling-related advertising in India, limiting surrogate advertising and indirect promotion of offshore gambling, while agencies like the DGGI and the Enforcement Directorate monitor and act against such platforms evading Indian jurisdiction and tax laws.
The AIGF is committed to supporting government efforts in building a safe, transparent, and regulated online gaming ecosystem in India, aiming to make gaming a cornerstone of Digital India and a key driver of the $1 trillion digital economy, as reported in general news sources such as India Today, The Hindu, The Economic Times, and Business Standard.

Tamil Nadu Offshore Gambling Alliance (TNOGA) draws approval from All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) for their efforts to restrict betting marketing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League