Dream11 Shuts All Paid Contest After Online Gaming Bill 2025
In a major shake-up to India’s online gaming industry, Dream11 has officially suspended all paid fantasy sports contests, marking the end of an era for the platform that redefined sports engagement in the country.
This move comes in response to the Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Law, 2025, recently passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, which imposes stringent restrictions on real-money gaming platforms.
A Heartfelt Message from Dream11
In an emotional note to its users, Dream11’s founding team wrote:
“This morning, we stopped all paid contests on Dream11 and pivoted entirely to a free-to-play online social game. When we started this journey 18 years ago as a Sports Tech company, we were not even 1% of the size of the USA Fantasy Sports industry. Dream11’s Fantasy Sports product was our way to ‘Make Sports Better’ for all of India. With this passion, belief, and the spirit of Made in India, for India, by Indians, we became the largest fantasy sports platform in the world.”
Law Compliance Over Controversy
Dream11 emphasized that it has always adhered to Indian laws, while subtly expressing disappointment over the regulatory move:
“We have always been and will always be a law-abiding company, and have conducted our business in compliance with the laws. While we believe that progressive regulations would have been the right way forward, we will respect the law and will fully comply with ‘The Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Law, 2025’.”
What’s Next for Dream11?
Even with its fantasy gaming operations halted, the company hinted at a broader vision beyond paid contests. Dream11 will now focus on its other ventures – FanCode, DreamSetGo, Dream Game Studios, and the Dream Sports Foundation – to continue driving India’s sports-tech ecosystem.
The company signed off with a hopeful message to its massive user base:
“Thank you for all your love and trust. See you in our second innings.”
Industry Fallout
With Dream11’s exit from paid contests, other platforms like My11Circle, MPL, and Howzat may also face turbulent times. Analysts believe the Online Gaming Bill 2025 will fundamentally reshape India’s fantasy sports market, which had been projected to cross Rs 25,000 crore by 2027.