Will Dream11 Shut Down Under New Law?

New Delhi India’s booming online fantasy sports industry may be facing one of its biggest challenges yet. A proposed online gaming bill that seeks to curb money-based online games is raising serious questions about the future of platforms like Dream11 and My11Circle, two of the most popular fantasy sports apps in the country. The bill outlines strict penalties for those found promoting or engaging in real-money online gaming, including a potential three-year prison sentence and fines of up to ₹1 crore.

For years, fantasy sports have thrived on cricket’s popularity, with millions of fans joining virtual contests, creating their own dream teams, and competing for cash prizes. Dream11, in particular, has become a household name—not only as a gaming platform but also as a major sponsor in Indian cricket. The company has been the title sponsor of the Indian cricket team, while My11Circle is the official fantasy partner of the Indian Premier League (IPL). These partnerships underline just how deeply fantasy sports have embedded themselves into mainstream cricket culture.

However, the line between skill-based fantasy sports and money-driven gaming has always been debated. Supporters of fantasy sports argue that unlike gambling, these games require skill, knowledge of cricket, and strategy to succeed. Players do not rely purely on chance but instead on careful analysis of team form, player statistics, and match conditions. This, they believe, places fantasy sports in a completely different category from traditional betting or casino-style games.

The new bill, however, casts a wide net over money-based online games, potentially bringing fantasy platforms under its purview. If passed in its current form, operators may find themselves caught in legal battles, forcing them to either change their business models or face harsh consequences.

For users, the impact could be equally significant. Millions of young Indians log in daily to play fantasy cricket, often investing small amounts of money with hopes of bigger returns. While the bill aims to protect individuals from financial harm and addiction, many argue that it could also stifle innovation in one of the fastest-growing segments of India’s digital economy. The fantasy sports market is currently valued at billions of dollars and provides employment opportunities to thousands of people directly and indirectly.

Industry leaders have urged the government to distinguish between games of chance and games of skill in the legislation. They believe a blanket ban on real-money gaming could discourage foreign investment, affect sponsorships, and restrict opportunities for startups in the online sports sector.

As the debate intensifies, one thing is clear: the outcome of this bill will have far-reaching implications, not just for companies like Dream11 and My11Circle, but for the future of India’s digital entertainment landscape. For now, players and fans are anxiously watching whether their favorite fantasy cricket apps can weather the storm of regulation—or if this could be the end of an era in online sports gaming.