Govt again issues strict advisory on surrogate betting companies

ISLAMABAD: The government has taken notice of various media outlets and channels, including Pakistan Television (PTV), running two logos of surrogate betting companies during live coverage of cricket series of Pakistan and Australia.

Through a notification issued on Tuesday, the government directed the departments concerned to investigate the reasons for the non-compliance of earlier advisory by the government and submit its within a week from issuance of this circulation. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had issued a strict advisory against promoting surrogate betting companies illegally operating in Pakistan through any kind of advertisement, calling for immediate termination of all existing agreements with surrogate companies.

As a warning, the government has decided if anyone fails to terminate their agreement with any surrogate betting companies, the understanding or agreement between licensors and the licensee will be terminated.

A notification issued by the ministry of Information and Broadcasting states, “The Ministry has received reports of unambiguous violation of the same (the earlier advisory), during the live broadcast of Pakistan Cricket team’s tour to Australia, on multiple media outlets/channels including Pakistan Television.”

The notification added, “As such, the concerned are required to: i) Ensure immediate compliance without fail ii) Investigate the reasons and responsible for the non-compliance of earlier advisory and submit a copy of the same within a week from issuance of this circulation. The National Broadcaster PTV has taken up the issue with the parent right holders to remove the digital placement on ground of all the surrogate betting companies. If they fail to do so, the understanding/agreement between licensors and the licensee will be terminated. In terms of Section-5 of the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002, as amended from time to time, PEMRA is also advised to enforce the law of the land and the licensing conditions regarding prohibition of surrogate companies promoting betting in Pakistan.

In case they fail to abide by the law, landing rights of such TV channels may be cancelled. PCB is also directed to implement the directions issued by this Ministry earlier on 25th September, 2023 and 20th October, 2023. PTA is also advised to stop all such illegal surrogate betting, gambling, and casino companies in Pakistan which are operating through apps and websites. An active vigilant wing should be formed to monitor and promptly block any such content in the territory of Pakistan.”