India’s real-money gaming sector is facing unprecedented disruption after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 was passed in Parliament. The legislation bans all forms of money-based online games, with strict penalties including fines of up to ₹1 crore and possible jail terms.
This landmark move has forced top players such as Dream11, MPL, and Zupee to suspend their real-money gaming operations in India, affecting millions of users and putting pressure on startups and investors in the sector.
Dream11, India’s largest fantasy sports platform, has announced the discontinuation of all cash-based offerings with immediate effect. Parent company Dream Sports is expected to pivot towards its other digital ventures, including FanCode, Sportz Drip, Cricbuzz, and Willow TV, as it recalibrates strategy amid the changing legal landscape.
The company, which built its brand as the pioneer of fantasy sports in India, now faces the challenge of adapting to a future where real-money contests are banned nationwide.
Mobile Premier League (MPL), one of India’s leading mobile gaming platforms with over 120 million registered users worldwide, also confirmed the suspension of its real-money offerings.
In an official statement posted on LinkedIn, MPL said:
“Effective immediately, we are suspending all gaming offerings involving money on the MPL platform in India. Our foremost priority is our users. While new deposits will no longer be accepted, customers will be able to withdraw their balances seamlessly. However, online money games will not be available on the MPL platform anymore.”
The company emphasized compliance with the new bill and assured users that balance withdrawals remain unaffected, maintaining trust during this transition.
Zupee, another major player in the Indian gaming space, has also halted all paid gaming options. However, the company confirmed that its free-to-play games remain unaffected.
A company spokesperson stated:
“In line with the new Online Gaming Bill 2025, we are discontinuing paid games, but our hugely popular free titles like Ludo Supreme, Ludo Turbo, Snakes & Ladders, and Trump Card Mania will continue to be available for all users for free.”
Zupee also reaffirmed its commitment to delivering responsible and entertaining gaming experiences for its 150+ million users in India.
The suspension of cash games by leading platforms is expected to disrupt lakhs of active users who frequently engaged in fantasy sports, rummy, poker, and skill-based cash games. While companies have promised smooth withdrawals, the sudden loss of gaming options could significantly impact user engagement.
The industry, which attracted billions in venture capital and foreign investment, may now face large-scale layoffs, funding freezes, and stalled growth plans. Many startups that relied heavily on cash-based games for revenue may struggle to survive in the new regulatory environment.
While the ban has rattled the real-money gaming industry, the government has positioned esports and casual non-monetary games as the future of online entertainment in India.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 distinguishes between:
Esports – competitive, skill-driven activities promoted as safe and professional.
Casual Games – free, entertainment-oriented titles like chess, sudoku, and ludo.
Real-Money Games (RMGs) – now banned due to financial risks and addiction concerns.
This shift is expected to channel investments towards esports ecosystems, skill-based training, and free-to-play social games, reshaping India’s digital gaming future.
Conclusion
The passage of the Online Gaming Bill 2025 has brought India’s real-money gaming industry to a standstill. With Dream11, MPL, and Zupee suspending all money-based games, millions of users and thousands of employees will feel the immediate impact.
While the government envisions a future led by esports and non-monetary games, industry leaders will need to reinvent business models and diversify revenue streams to stay relevant in this new regulatory environment.