India’s fast-growing real-money gaming industry is facing its most dramatic shake-up yet after Parliament passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025, which bans all money-based online games. The bill, approved by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha this week, has triggered immediate action from industry giants like Dream11, Mobile Premier League (MPL), Gameskraft, and Zupee, who have begun suspending contests and paid offerings on their platforms.
Online Gaming Bill: Dream11 Halts ‘Pay to Play’ Contests
Dream11, India’s largest fantasy sports operator and an $8 billion company, has paused all its “cash games and contests” following the passage of the Online Gaming Bill 2025. A notice on its app confirmed that while deposits have been disabled, users can safely withdraw their existing balances.
The parent company, Dream Sports, has also suspended paid offerings on its new ventures—Dream Picks and Dream Play—signaling a sweeping retreat from the real-money gaming segment. “In view of the recent development pertaining to the bill, we are pausing all ‘Pay to Play’ contests. Your account balance is safe,” the company said in a public statement.
Dream11, which allowed users to join fantasy contests for as little as ₹29 with top prizes crossing ₹3 lakh, had become a household name in India, especially after becoming the lead sponsor of the Indian cricket team in July 2023. However, the future of this sponsorship now hangs in balance. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board will “follow every policy of the central government,” leaving the matter open-ended.
MPL Suspends All Real-Money Gaming
Mobile Premier League (MPL), valued at $2.3 billion, has announced a complete suspension of its RMG portfolio. “While new deposits will no longer be accepted, customers can withdraw balances seamlessly,” an MPL spokesperson confirmed.
The company emphasized its pivot towards free-to-play and competitive esports formats. “Our vision to be the largest competitive gaming platform in the world remains unchanged. We will continue to provide engaging, non-money-based gaming experiences in India,” the spokesperson added.
Online Gaming Bill: Gameskraft and Zupee Follow Suit
Bengaluru-based Gameskraft, known for its rummy apps like RummyCulture, has paused “Add Cash” and gameplay services. The company reassured users that withdrawal services remain active and all funds are secure.
Zupee, another major player, has discontinued paid offerings but retained free-to-play games such as Ludo Supreme, Ludo Turbo, Snakes & Ladders, and Trump Card Mania. A Zupee spokesperson stated: “In line with the Online Gaming Bill 2025, we are discontinuing paid games but remain fully operational for free gaming experiences.”
Legal Challenge on the Horizon
Industry insiders suggest that gaming companies are preparing to challenge the ban in the Supreme Court. Their argument hinges on the distinction between games of skill and games of chance. Poker, fantasy sports, and rummy—often argued to be skill-based—could form the crux of this legal battle.
The Online Gaming Bill 2025, spearheaded by Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, not only bans money games but also prohibits their advertising. It mandates banks and financial institutions to block transactions linked to such platforms. Any violation could lead to penalties, including up to three years of imprisonment and significant fines.
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