India’s top fantasy sports platform, Dream11 is preparing to shut down its real-money gaming operations after the government passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025. The legislation bans all money-based online games, including fantasy contests, rummy, poker, and other betting platforms, aiming to regulate the fast-growing digital gaming industry.
The company, which earns more than 67% of its revenue from real-money contests, has informed its employees about the upcoming closure through internal communication. The official shutdown date has not yet been confirmed, but sources suggest the process will begin in the coming days.
With this major shift, Dream11 plans to focus on non-real-money gaming formats and expand its global presence. Its other platforms—Sportz Drip, FanCode, Willow TV, and Cricbuzz—will now become the core of its business strategy, as the company aims to sustain its brand outside the money-based gaming segment.
The Online Gaming Bill 2025, passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, prohibits deposits, wagers, and advertisements for real-money games across India. The bill also proposes the establishment of a National Online Gaming Commission (NOGC) to regulate legal gaming formats and promote e-sports.
Industry experts have raised concerns over the impact of this decision, warning of massive job losses, foreign investment withdrawals, and a potential ₹20,000 crore loss in annual tax revenue. Gaming bodies have already appealed to the government for a more balanced approach instead of a blanket ban.
As the new law awaits the President’s assent, players and investors are watching closely to see how this decision will reshape the future of online gaming in India. For now, Dream11 remains operational, but its real-money gaming services will soon face a complete shutdown in compliance with the new law.
