Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) has raised concerns over the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) for allegedly allowing offshore betting companies to advertise through surrogate means during its ongoing cricket tournament in Coimbatore. The authority has formally sought an explanation from the league’s organizers, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA).
This move comes after TNOGA received numerous complaints from the public, flagging the presence of promotional content linked to foreign betting platforms such as Dafabet, 1xBet, MELBET, Crickadda, Pinup Cricket, and JSK.ai. These entities, which are otherwise restricted from operating in India, have reportedly used alternate branding—such as fantasy gaming portals and online news platforms—to circumvent advertising laws and secure sponsorship visibility in the TNPL.
A meeting between TNOGA officials and TNPL CEO Prasanna Shankar was held earlier this week at TNOGA’s office in MRC Nagar, Chennai. The matter gained momentum following investigative reports and public backlash highlighting the normalization of betting brands in domestic cricket through surrogate channels.
Under Section 8 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, both direct and indirect promotion of online gambling is prohibited. Violations can lead to a one-year jail sentence or a fine of ₹5 lakh. TNOGA officials noted that even indirect branding, such as content tied to fantasy or news portals operated by betting firms, falls within the prohibited category.
“Prima facie, these advertisements appear to breach the state’s anti-gambling laws. We are examining the matter closely,” said a senior official at TNOGA.
Apart from state-level action, TNOGA is also considering escalation to the central government. The body can recommend the blocking of such sites under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, by writing to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) via the state home department. So far, TNOGA has sent 62 proposals to the Tamil Nadu Home Department urging restrictions on gambling websites and apps.
Meanwhile, TNPL officials have reportedly conveyed to TNOGA that they were unaware of the legal implications and would consult their legal advisors before issuing an official response. Attempts to get a public statement from TNPL were unsuccessful as of Friday.
This isn’t the first time TNOGA has taken such action. The authority recently issued notices to more than 70 social media influencers across platforms like YouTube and Instagram for promoting offshore betting services. Many of those influencers later submitted written apologies.
The issue spotlights the growing tension between sports marketing, digital gambling firms, and evolving state regulations, as authorities seek to draw firmer lines against indirect betting promotions in Indian sports.
