Central Government Is Lineient About Betting Apps In IPL

A significant momentum has been built against betting apps in India, with social media influencers stopping their promotions and newcomers thinking twice before accepting offers. The Telangana Police have led the fight against illegal schemes, prioritizing public safety. However, this raises questions about why the central government is allowing betting ads and partnering with Dream11 for the Indian Premier League (IPL). Currently, Dream11 is the official sponsor of the Indian cricket team, with players wearing the Dream11 logo on their jerseys.¹

The Indian government has banned advertisements related to tobacco, alcohol, and cryptocurrencies for this year's IPL season. Ironically, Vimal Kesari, a product containing tobacco, is being widely publicized by prominent actors like Shahrukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff. This paradox highlights the conflicting approaches to regulating betting and tobacco products in India. While some states like Telangana are actively working to curb betting apps, the central government seems to be taking a more lenient stance.

The Supreme Court of India has termed Dream11's fantasy platform as a "skill-based game" rather than "betting or gambling." This ruling has allowed Dream11 to officially endorse the Indian Cricket Team and pay Rs 358 crore ($41.44 Million) to the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) for official sponsorship.² However, several states, including Assam, Odisha, Telangana, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Andhra Pradesh, have banned Dream11, citing concerns over online gambling and its links to financial crimes.³

The differing opinions on the legality of Dream11 across Indian states highlight the need for clearer regulations on online gaming and betting. As the Indian government navigates this complex issue, it must balance the need to protect citizens from the risks of online gambling with the growing demand for fantasy sports and online gaming in the country.