The future of Dream11, India’s biggest fantasy sports platform, looks uncertain as the government prepares to enforce the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. If passed, the Online Gaming bill, 2025 will ban all real-money gaming platforms, including fantasy sports giants like Dream11, My11Circle, MPL, Winzo, and Rummy apps.
This move could change the gaming landscape in India forever — affecting millions of users, lakhs of jobs, and billions in investments.
What Is Happening With Dream11?
Founded in 2008 by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth, Dream11 grew into a household name in India’s sports ecosystem. With 280 million registered users and partnerships with the IPL and Team India, it dominated the fantasy sports market.
- In FY24, Dream11 reported revenues of over ₹9,600 crore, boosted by the men’s cricket World Cup.
- The company was last valued at $8 billion in 2021, backed by investors like Tiger Global, Multiples, and ChrysCap.
- Over 90% of Dream Sports’ revenue came from Dream11’s paid fantasy contests.
But now, the Online Gaming Bill 2025 proposes a blanket ban on all money-based games — whether based on skill or chance.
Why Is Dream11 Shutting Its Real-Money Gaming Arm?
According to sources, Dream Sports CEO Harsh Jain told employees that once the bill becomes law, there will be no legal pathway to continue operations in real-money gaming.
The company has already:
- Informed staff (both permanent and contractual) about transition plans.
- Begun preparing to pivot toward other businesses like FanCode (sports content), DreamSetGo (sports travel), and Dream Game Studios (gaming development).
However, these verticals are small compared to Dream11, raising concerns about Dream Sports’ survival.
How Big Is the Impact of the Ban?
If the Online Gaming Bill 2025 becomes law, the consequences could be massive:
- Fantasy platforms affected: Dream11, My11Circle, MPL, Winzo, RummyCircle, PokerBaazi, Parimatch, Games24x7, and others.
- Jobs at risk: Nearly 2 lakh employees.
- Companies impacted: About 4 lakh businesses.
- Investments threatened: Over ₹25,000 crore.
- GST revenue loss: Nearly ₹20,000 crore annually.
The Indian gaming industry, currently valued at $3.7 billion, was projected to grow to $9.1 billion by 2029. But since 86% of the revenue comes from real-money games, the bill could be a death blow.
What Are Industry Bodies Saying?
Top industry associations like the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), E-Gaming Federation (EGF), and Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) have urged the government to rethink the ban.
They argue:
- A blanket ban will push users toward illegal gambling sites.
- Progressive regulation is better than prohibition.
- Millions of genuine players could lose access to safe platforms.
One industry executive warned:
“The bill, if enacted, will cause serious harm and drive players into the hands of fly-by-night operators.”
Key Concerns for Users and Companies
Industry stakeholders are waiting for clarity on three major points:
- Transition Period – How much time companies will get before the ban is fully enforced.
- User Funds – How deposits in existing accounts will be refunded.
- Oversight Authority – Whether a regulator will monitor the shutdown and allow pivots to esports or social gaming models.
Until these are addressed, millions of Dream11 users remain in limbo.
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 has shaken up India’s gaming industry like never before. If it becomes law, Dream11 and other real-money gaming platforms will be forced to shut down, risking jobs, investments, and the future of fantasy sports in India.
While the government sees this as a step against gambling, industry experts believe progressive regulation is the way forward. The final decision will determine whether India’s gaming industry collapses or evolves into a new era of esports and skill-based entertainment.
FAQs on Dream11 Ban & Online Gaming Bill 2025
Q1. Will Dream11 shut down completely?
Not completely. Dream11’s real-money fantasy gaming will be banned, but its parent company may focus on FanCode, DreamSetGo, and Dream Game Studios.
Q2. What happens to my Dream11 wallet balance?
The government is expected to announce a refund mechanism for users’ deposits, but details are not yet confirmed.
Q3. Which platforms will be banned?
Dream11, My11Circle, MPL, Winzo, Rummy apps, PokerBaazi, and any other real-money gaming platform.
Q4. Why is the government banning these apps?
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 aims to outlaw all money-based games, citing gambling risks and user safety.
Q5. How will it affect India’s gaming industry?
The move threatens 2 lakh jobs, ₹25,000 crore investments, and annual GST of ₹20,000 crore, raising fears of an industry collapse.
Refer this article also : Online Gaming Bill 2025: A checkmate move against real money gaming
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