In a dramatic shakeup for India’s online gaming sector, top fantasy sports and skill-gaming platforms-including Dream 11, Zupi, Mobile Premier League (MPL), My111CIRCLE and Probo-have announced their real-mani gaming (RMG) operations or full shutdowns.
The step comes after Parliament passes the online gaming bill 2025 promotion and regulation, which ban all real-mani online games and show strict punishment for violations.
Industry veterans forced to get out of RMG
Dream 11, India’s largest fantasy sports platform and a leading sponsor of the national cricket team, have begun to reduce RMG activities – 90% of its revenue stream. In an internal town hall on August 20, CEO Harsh Jain confirmed that the competitions paid on their dream pics and dream play apps have already been stopped, the flagship was set to follow once with the Dream 11 app when the bill receives the presidency.
Users have been assured that existing wallet balances are safe and completely backable.
Other platforms-MPL, Zupi, Games 24X 7, Gamescraft, and Opinion-trading app probo-have also drawn plugs on money-based games, which only provide free-to-play titles.
The law banns any online game where players deposit money in the hope of winning cash. Criminals have to face jails of up to three years or a fine of up to ₹ 1 crore. The bill also prohibits advertisements, payment processing and endorsement for such platforms.
Explaining the logic, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said in his official statement:
“Online money game is a public health risk. When it comes to saving youth, priority will always be the same.”
Government officials also cited financial risk, money laundering and potential national security threats as the causes of comprehensive restrictions.
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Focus on economic shockwaves and non-RMG businesses
The ban is expected to deal with gaming and advertising ecosystems and 4,500-crores hit. RMG platform has been one of the largest advertisers in the Cricket League, regional sports and primetime television, which means that broadcasters and sports franchises may face a lack of major revenue.
Industries bodies such as All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), E-Ging Federation (EGF), and Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) have appealed for more fine regulation than blanket ban. Many legal challenges are now in tasks.
Dream Sports, Parents of Dream 11, are already focusing on non-RMG businesses such as Fankode (Sports Media), DreamSetgo (Economic Sports Tour) and Dream Game Studio.
For now, India’s once-lived real-meri fantasy gaming landscape is staring at an uncertain future-thousands of players and thousands of employees were caught in the regulatory crossfire.
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