New Law Forces Shutdown
The Indian Parliament has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, officially outlawing all real-money gaming (RMG), including fantasy sports and other cash-based contests. The bill, already passed by both Houses, now awaits the President’s assent, a procedural step expected to be completed imminently.
Major Platforms Respond Swiftly
Leading RMG platforms—including Zupee, Mobile Premier League (MPL), Dream Sports (parent of Dream11), Probo, Gameskraft (RummyCulture), and My11Circle—have begun immediately shutting down their paid gaming offerings. These platforms are halting deposits, allowing only withdrawals, and discontinuing cash-based contests.
Company-Specific Measures
- Zupee has stopped real-money games but continues offering popular free-to-play titles like Ludo Supreme, Snakes & Ladders, and Trump Card Mania to millions of users.
- MPL has suspended new deposits while allowing users to withdraw their remaining balances.
- Dream Sports (Dream11) is winding down its core RMG operations and shifting focus toward non–cash gaming alternatives, as well as expanding services such as FanCode and Dream Game Studios, and exploring international markets.
- Probo, Gameskraft, and My11Circle have also halted real-money offerings entirely.
Industry Disruption & Fallout
The ban has introduced significant turmoil:
- Companies are scrambling to pivot to free, ad-supported formats or esports.
- Gamers are rapidly withdrawing their funds from these platforms.
- Experts warn the ban could push users toward unregulated, offshore alternatives, raising concerns about consumer safety, fraud, and money laundering.
Regulatory Landscape
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 not only bans RMG but also establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework to promote safe gaming:
- It mandates licensing and classification mechanisms via a National Online Gaming Commission.
- It supports esports and social gaming.
- It imposes strict consumer protection measures, financial oversight, and penalties including fines and imprisonment for violations.
Why This Is Significant
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Rapid Market Disruption | Real-money gaming, a multi-billion-dollar industry, faces immediate closure. |
| Strategic Pivot by Platforms | From RMG to esports, free gaming, and international market expansion. |
| Regulatory Reset | Government aims to balance consumer protection with the growth of digital entertainment. |
| Economic & Social Impact | Expected job losses, plummeting investments, and threats to celebrity and sports sponsorship. |