India has moved to ban online gambling, with parliament passing sweeping legislation designed to curb addiction and fraud. Government figures indicated that gambling firms were siphoning $2.3 billion a year from nearly 450 million people, prompting urgent calls for reform.
The new law directly impacts fantasy sports platforms, including Dream11, which has been a prominent sponsor of the Indian cricket team since July 2023. With its logo emblazoned on Team India jerseys, the platform’s future role in sponsorship now hangs in the balance. The BCCI has not confirmed its position, though secretary Devajit Saikia assured that the board “will follow every government policy.”
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill criminalises the promotion, funding or running of online gambling, with offenders facing up to five years in prison. Dream11, responding to the legislation, has suspended its cash-based contests but asked fans to “stay tuned.”
The government said the law would protect citizens from debt, addiction and predatory platforms, which have been linked to money laundering, fraud and even terrorism financing. Industry voices had lobbied for regulation and taxation rather than a complete ban, warning it might push players toward illegal offshore platforms.
Despite this, authorities insist the benefits outweigh risks. The law allows exceptions for e-sports and educational games, both to be actively promoted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move, saying it would boost constructive digital recreation while shielding society from harmful online betting.