Diwali offers: contest and advertising-law checks
Diwali promo and contest creatives checked against ASCI Code rules on lotteries, prize competitions and gift prospect claims.
Diwali bundles and “win gold” contests are advertising claims. ASCI’s Code is the published self-regulatory baseline cited here — not a substitute for counsel on Indian contest law.
ASCI Code anchors
The ASCI Code includes that advertisements inviting the public to take part in lotteries or prize competitions permitted under law, or holding out the prospect of gifts, shall state clearly all material conditions so consumers can obtain a true and fair view of their prospects. Advertisers must provide for judging, result announcement, and fair distribution of prizes/gifts within a reasonable time. The Code’s purposes include truthfulness and honesty of representations.
Checklist
| Gate | Pass |
|---|---|
| Material conditions in ad and store | Odds, eligibility, end date, geo |
| Prize fulfilment SOP | Named owner |
| Results channel | Pre-declared |
| Hyperbole vs literal gift | Clearly humorous or literally true |
| Real-money gaming overlay | Separate ASCI RMG rules if applicable — escalate to counsel |
Facts versus limits
| Field | Evidence or limit |
|---|---|
| ASCI contest/gift clarity rule | Yes |
| Criminal lottery statutes | Counsel — not extracted here |
If the Diwali creative cannot state conditions on-screen, it is not ready.
