Yandex fined $5.8K for online casino ads
The Mari El OFAS identified illegal placement of gambling ads in the Yandex browser as part of an analysis ordered by the FAS of Russia. The ads contained hyperlinks leading to websites and Telegram channels of unnamed gambling operators.
Violation of the law
What happened
Specialists from the Mari El office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (OFAS) identified illegal placement of gambling ads in the Yandex browser.
The ads contained hyperlinks leading to websites and Telegram channels of the game organizer. By following the links, users were shown information about registration in online casinos and invited to participate in gambling.
What laws were violated
The placement of such ads violates the provisions of the Federal Law “On Advertising”, which explicitly prohibits the promotion of gambling outside of specially authorized resources. The violation was identified as part of an advertising analysis for compliance with legal requirements, commissioned by the FAS of Russia.
Yandex’s responsibility
Ad deemed improper
LLC “Yandex” was found guilty of violating advertising laws. According to the OFAS, the published advertisement was considered improper as it promoted gambling without adhering to the necessary conditions.
Fine amount
The agency imposed a fine of 450 thousand rubles on the company, which is approximately 5.8 thousand US dollars.
Details of the identified violation
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Inspection object | Gambling ads in the Yandex browser |
| Ad format | Hyperlinks to casino websites and Telegram channels |
| Essence of violation | Placement of gambling ads with links to registration websites |
| Authority that identified the violation | Mari El OFAS |
| Result | Fine of 450 thousand rubles |
OFAS response and consequences
Official position
The Mari El OFAS stated that Yandex’s actions did not comply with current legislation. Gambling ads must be completely restricted and cannot be distributed in mainstream browsers without special permissions.
Other OFAS actions
Earlier cases included a complaint by a medical glove supplier, indicating active regional OFAS oversight of advertising.
Conclusion
- Gambling advertising on the internet is strictly regulated by law.
- Placing online casino ads in a browser without following the rules is grounds for deeming them improper.
- Yandex was fined 450 thousand rubles for violating advertising laws.
- The Mari El OFAS continues to monitor compliance with advertising rules in the digital environment.