India Bans Real-Money Gaming: What The New Law Means
India bans real-money gaming after Parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. This new legislation aims to completely restrict real-money transactions while promoting casual games and esports. The move has sparked major disruptions across the gaming industry, leaving millions of players and multiple startups facing uncertainty about the future.
Dream Sports And MPL Start Pulling The Plug
Following the bill’s approval, leading gaming companies like Dream Sports and Mobile Premier League (MPL) have started shutting down their real-money gaming operations. Apps such as Dream Picks and other real-money platforms are already being discontinued, while popular titles like Dream11 may soon follow. Employees and users have begun receiving notifications about the closures, marking a significant turning point in India’s gaming ecosystem.
Impact On Startups And Investors
The decision to ban real-money gaming has deeply impacted startups and investors who had heavily funded this sector. Unicorns such as Dream Sports had planned expansions and partnerships, both locally and internationally, but those plans are now being abandoned. Investors who backed the rapid growth of fantasy and real-money gaming platforms are reassessing their strategies as India shifts focus to safer gaming alternatives like esports and casual online entertainment.
The Future Of Online Gaming In India
While India bans real-money gaming, the country is signaling its intent to support esports and non-monetary online games. This could pave the way for new opportunities in competitive gaming, skill-based entertainment, and global collaborations. Startups may now redirect innovation towards sustainable gaming formats, ensuring compliance with the new regulations while keeping the growing online gaming community engaged.
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