India's government has enacted the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which imposes a blanket ban on real-money gaming (RMG) platforms, including fantasy sports, poker, and rummy. The legislation was rapidly passed through the Lok Sabha and received presidential assent, reflecting a swift regulatory shift. This ban has led to major disruptions in the Indian online gaming and sports sponsorship sectors. Dream11, a leading fantasy sports company and title sponsor of the Indian cricket teams under a $43.6 million deal signed in 2023, has announced it will discontinue its sponsorship and will not legally challenge the ban. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed it will cease its relationship with Dream11 and avoid future engagements with similar organizations. The ban has wiped out 95% of Dream11's revenue within 72 hours, prompting the company to pivot towards free-to-play models with advertising and AI features. Other real-money gaming platforms like Winzo and Gameskraft have suspended their RMG operations and are exploring alternative business models or legal challenges. Flutter Entertainment has also ceased its real-money betting operations in India following the legislation. The ban has triggered a sharp decline in related stocks, with Nazara Technologies' shares plunging 28% in four days. Venture capitalists face potential losses exceeding $15 billion in startup valuations. Industry experts warn that offshore betting websites may fill the void left by domestic operators. The government justifies the ban citing public health concerns and financial risks, noting that approximately 450 million people lost an estimated $2.3 billion to online money games. The ban's impact extends to the Indian cricket economy, with sponsorships, endorsements, and events like the IPL expected to be affected. Legal challenges have begun, including a petition by Head Digital Works in the Karnataka High Court against the new law. The ban has sparked a significant restructuring of the Indian online gaming landscape, forcing companies to innovate or exit the market.
After Gameskraft, digital gaming company Zupee has said it will not challenge the online gaming Act that bans all forms of real money games (RMG) such as rummy, poker and ludo. #Zupee #onlinegamingban #RMG | @AjinkyaJK https://t.co/eIlmNXLibl
In the first legal challenge to the new online gaming law, A23 Rummy operator #HeadDigitalWorks moves the Karnataka HC against the ban on real money games (RMG), including rummy, poker and ludo. #karnatakahighcourt #onlinegamingban #RMG | @AjinkyaJK https://t.co/9rR2HgaDce
India faces first legal challenge against online money games ban https://t.co/nGbFm7X3N5 https://t.co/nGbFm7X3N5