India’s New Online Gaming Bill Threatens Fantasy Apps

A recent law enacted by India’s parliament—the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025—outlaws online games involving monetary transactions, including fantasy sports and rummy-style apps.

Key Details

• Scope: The ban covers money-based gaming services such as Dream11, MPL, Zupee, and Games 24x7, along with advertisements and financial operations tied to them.
• Impact: The move threatens a multibillion-dollar sector, possibly shutting down popular platforms valued in the billions.
• Consequences:
  • Potential job losses across the gaming and advertising sectors.
  • A pause or collapse in investments from major backers like Tiger Global and Peak XV.
  • Loss of a marketing platform heavily leveraged by sports celebrities.

This legislation could disrupt India’s $3.6 billion fantasy gaming industry, with major platforms facing shutdowns once the bill is signed into law.

Background & Context

Fantasy gaming has grown rapidly in India, with an ecosystem built on celebrity endorsements and easy access. The new bill reflects growing concern over financial and mental health risks linked to gambling-like mechanics.