In a significant development, Haryana Police have filed an FIR against Sportasy, a fantasy gaming platform and a registered Bronze Member of the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), for allegedly conducting illegal online betting activities as per the new public gambling law of Haryana that came into force in 2025.

“This platform lures people into gambling, not gaming,” the FIR states. “Its operations are illegal, unethical, and harmful, and they exploit legal grey areas under the garb of skill-based play.”

The FIR (No. 0155), lodged on the night of June 7 at the Manesar Police Station, invokes serious charges under the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Act, 2025, and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The complaint was filed by local resident Hari Nuniya, who claimed that Sportasy promotes betting by offering fantasy sports, thereby misleading users and violating state law.

According to the FIR, the platform allows users to place real money bets on uncertain outcomes of live sporting events in the nature of fantasy sports, which constitutes as betting and gambling under the Haryana Gambling Act. The FIR further notes that the app targets vulnerable groups, including minors, and lacks meaningful age verification, increasing the risk of addiction and financial harm.

Importantly, the complainant has raised questions about FIFS’ role, claiming that despite its stated mission to uphold best practices in the fantasy sports industry, FIFS is allowing legitimacy to platforms like Sportasy that allow fantasy sports in contravention of state laws.

The FIR also includes links to Sportasy’s advertisements and social media promotions that depict the platform as a fantasy game but, in practice, facilitate betting and wagering behaviour. Google reviews cited in the complaint further allege deceptive and fraudulent practices by the platform.

The investigation has been handed over to ASI Ranveer Singh, and the FIR has been forwarded to judicial authorities for further action.

(BrandWagon Online is attempting to reach team Sportasy for a comment. The story will be updated once we receive a response.)