India has passed a new law banning real-money online games, causing major gaming companies to suspend operations and leading to layoffs. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, now awaits the President’s approval. Leading firms like Dream Sports (owner of Dream11), Mobile Premier League (MPL), and Zupee have already started halting their real-money gaming services.
Fantasy sports apps such as Dream Picks and Dream Play have stopped functioning, while Dream11 and similar cash-based games remain live temporarily until the ban is enforced. Dream Sports confirmed it will shut down all real-money games once the law takes effect. This ban impacts a $23 billion market with revenues around ₹31,000 crore and tax contributions near ₹20,000 crore. MPL has stopped accepting deposits and will allow withdrawals from August 22, while Zupee continues offering free games but has suspended paid ones.
The law aims to tackle gambling addiction, financial losses, cheating, and underage gaming, imposing strict penalties including up to three years in prison and fines up to ₹1 crore. It also creates a regulatory body for esports and social gaming but bans real-money formats. This move marks a major change in India’s gaming landscape, creating uncertainty for employees, businesses, and fans of fantasy and real-money games.
