India’s online gaming industry just hit a major roadblock. After Parliament cleared the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, some of the country’s biggest platforms—Dream11, Mobile Premier League (MPL), Gameskraft, and Zupee—have stopped offering money-based games.
The new law bans all forms of real-money gaming (RMG), which basically means any game where players deposit cash hoping to win more. At the same time, it encourages eSports and social gaming that don’t involve money.
What’s Happening Right Now
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Dream11, MPL, Zupee, and Gameskraft have suspended all “cash games” or “pay-to-play” contests.
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The bill was passed in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha this week and now only needs presidential assent before becoming law.
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The law also prohibits advertising for money games and asks banks to block transactions linked to such platforms.
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Anyone caught offering banned games could face up to three years in jail and heavy fines.
Dream11’s Move
Dream11, India’s most popular fantasy sports platform, has already pulled the plug on its cash contests.
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In a notice on its app, the company confirmed that all money games are paused, but players can still withdraw their existing balances.
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Its new apps—Dream Picks and Dream Play—have also been affected.
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Until just a day ago, fans could join fantasy contests for as little as ₹29, with top winners taking home up to ₹3 lakh.
Dream11, currently valued at around $8 billion, is also India’s national cricket team sponsor. That raises another question: what happens to its partnership with the BCCI now that money games are off the table? BCCI says it will wait and follow the government’s policy.
MPL, Gameskraft, and Zupee Follow Suit
Other gaming giants are taking similar steps:
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MPL: Has stopped all money games and new deposits. Players can still withdraw balances. The company says it will now focus on free-to-play gaming while continuing its India operations.
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Gameskraft: Suspended “Add Cash” features on apps like RummyCulture. Withdrawal options remain open, and the company assures users that their funds are safe.
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Zupee: Stopped its paid offerings but kept free games like Ludo Supreme, Ludo Turbo, Snakes & Ladders, and Trump Card Mania available.
Industry Reaction and Next Steps
While companies are complying for now, reports suggest some are preparing to challenge the law in court. Industry leaders argue that games like poker and rummy involve skill and shouldn’t be lumped together with gambling. They also say the ban could harm India’s fast-growing gaming sector, which is valued in billions.
The Bigger Picture
This bill, led by Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is designed to crack down on money gaming but promote eSports. The government’s message is clear: gaming for fun is fine, but no more gambling with cash online.
Conclusion
For millions of gamers in India, this is a big change. Fantasy sports and real-money contests have become part of the country’s digital culture, and their sudden halt will leave a noticeable gap. While players can still enjoy free games, the industry now faces a massive shift—and possibly a long legal battle ahead.