The Indian Parliament passed a bill to ban online games played with real money on Thursday — prompting Dream11 to shut down its core business. Executives now fear imminent job losses and a complete shutdown of many other app-based businesses which attracted billions from foreign investors. The situation has also left thousands in India lamenting the ‘end of an era’ while others predicted that the upcoming law would be a ‘huge setback’ for the sporting ecosystem in India.
What does the Bill say?
The bill prohibits “harmful” online money gaming services as well as advertisements and financial transactions related to them. The government had also cited the psychological harm that such platforms can cause to underscore its decision. Union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Parliament on Thursday that it was necessary to “take strict action against social evils” that
“It is the duty of the government and the parliament to, which keep erupting time and again,” federal IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in parliament on Thursday.
Endorsements by top Indian cricketers and other marketing efforts have boosted the appeal of apps such as Dream11 and Mobile Premier League, where virtual cricket teams are created based on real players, earning points based on the runs, wickets and catches of an actual match. According to a Reuters report, gaming groups in India are reportedly holding discussions with lawyers about approaching the Supreme Court to challenge the ban.
What is the latest development?
According to reports, Dream11 has decided to shut down its core real-money gaming business. The decision was taken during an internal town hall on Wednesday after the Centre passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. Dream11 commands a valuation of $8 billion while Mobile Premier League is valued at $2.3 billion, PitchBook data shows. Other popular gaming apps in India include Games24X7, which offers card games like rummy and poker, Zupee and WinZO.
The new bill states that anyone who offers money games after the law comes in force could face a jail term of up to three years and a fine.
Netizens lament ‘end of an era’
“Dream11 and fantasy sports shutting down is a huge setback for cricket and sporting ecosystem in India, and all over the world. IPL, global T20 leagues, State T20 leagues, women’s cricket, T10, legends/celebrity leagues all will get a massive hit. Few will not even survive,” warned one X user.
“If fantasy is banned, then why would I watch IPL and other tournaments? There will be no interest in watching cricket. Big effect padega viewership par by banning fantasy,” predicted another.
“Dream11 was never just a game for me it was a turning point in my life. It gave me confidence, money, a home, car, the courage to build my own business. I tasted both victory and defeat here, and each taught me valuable lessons If it’s banned, it will hurt,” wrote a third.
Others supported the decision — contending that people were “getting affected” by such platforms.
“It should be banned, it’s of no use and youth are getting affected by it. Cricket will not stop for anything,” read one post.