When gambling was banned In a significant development for the digital landscape, India's parliament passed a bill banning all money-based online games, fundamentally altering the fantasy app market25 Banned Betting Apps In India (2026 Legal Status) This comprehensive legislation, often referred to as the Online Gaming Act 2025, has led to widespread bans on numerous platforms that previously allowed users to engage in real-money contestsIndia passes bill banning money-based online games, app The repercussions of this ban are far-reaching, impacting major players like Dream11, MPL, and Zupee, and signaling a new era for online entertainment in the countryReal money gaming app ban Zupee, MPL, Dream Sports
The core of the legislation targets all money-based online gaming, including betting, gambling, and paid fantasy contests2025821—The Bill prohibits “harmful” online money gaming services, advertisements and related financial transactions. Read more at straitstimes.com. This means that any fantasy app where users deposit money with the expectation of winnings is now deemed illegal2025821—Several Indian startups, including Dream Sports, MPL, and Zupee, are shutting down their real-money games after parliament passed a bill Offending operators face severe penalties, including potential prison terms of up to three years and substantial fines, as stipulated by the new bill2025821—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. This strict stance reflects a governmental effort to regulate the burgeoning online gaming industry and curb potentially harmful practicesDream11 parent won't fight Indian government over real
The impact of this ban has been immediate and substantial2025820—Platforms like Dream 11 and My11Circle will be prohibited and considered online gambling if the “Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Several prominent fantasy apps banned following the parliamentary decisionIndia's online gaming ban could strip sporting sponsorships For instance, Dream11 halted all paid contests on its fantasy sports platform on August 22, 2025, and has since pivoted to a second-screen sports platform offering creator watch-alongs and free-to-play fantasy experiences25 Banned Betting Apps In India (2026 Legal Status) Similarly, Dream Sports, the parent company of Dream11, has been winding up its quick-play fantasy app, Dream Picks, and preparing to exit the real-money gaming segment entirelyIndia passes bill to ban money-based online games, app Other startups like MPL and Zupee have also been compelled to shut down their real-money gamesIndia's parliament bans vast online gambling industry
Beyond the direct operators, the ban has also affected advertising policies2025114—Supreme Court hints that regular competitions may be exempt from the new online gaming law during upcoming hearings on November 26. Google has tightened its ad policies in India, prohibiting promotions for rummy, fantasy sports, and most gambling-related servicesNot Dream11, this Fantasy app set to lay off 60 per cent This move further restricts the visibility and accessibility of previously popular platforms2025821—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.
While the legislation ushers in a period of significant change, there are ongoing discussions regarding potential exemptions20251223—Under the Online Gaming Act 2025,all money-based online gaming, including betting, gambling, and paid fantasy contests, is banned across India. The Supreme Court has hinted that regular online tournaments might be excluded from the gaming ban during upcoming hearings202591—The sweeping new law has forced a shutdown of several gamingappsthat offered paidfantasycricket, rummy, and poker games. Not Dream11 this This could offer a glimmer of hope for certain types of competitive online gaming that do not involve direct monetary transactions for participation or winningsDream11 parent won't fight Indian government over real
The Online Gaming Act 2025 is described as the first central law to ban real-money online gaming in IndiaAs India bans real-money games, Dream Sports, MPL start This comprehensive legislation impacts a wide array of apps, including those offering services like betting apps and offshore betting apps that may have been accessible to Indian usersDream11 Back in 2026 Free‑to‑Play Fantasy, Global The intention is to create a more controlled and secure online environment2025822—The billbansall online games involving monetary transactions, including platforms where users deposit money with the expectation of winnings.
The shift away from real-money gaming has led to strategic adjustments by industry leadersThese Apps Have Halted Real-Money Gaming Amid Dream11, for example, is now focusing on free-to-play models and exploring global expansionThese Apps Have Halted Real-Money Gaming Amid This demonstrates a proactive approach to adapting to the new regulatory landscape20251223—Under the Online Gaming Act 2025,all money-based online gaming, including betting, gambling, and paid fantasy contests, is banned across India. The fantasy app ban in India is a transformative event, reshaping the future of online gaming and related digital services within the countryFantasy, Banned - by Aditi Kumar As the industry navigates this new reality, an increased focus on free-to-play models, user engagement outside of monetary transactions, and potential lawful gaming alternatives will likely define the path forwardReal money gaming app ban Zupee, MPL, Dream Sports The future may see a clearer distinction between regulated online gaming and prohibited gambling activities, with potential for innovation within the allowed frameworks2025824—On August 21stIndia's parliament passed a bill banning all money-based online games. Offending operators face fines and prison terms of up to The precise definition and enforcement of fantasy app regulations will continue to be a critical point of observation for stakeholdersIndia passes bill banning money-based online games, app
Join the newsletter to receive news, updates, new products and freebies in your inbox.