Online Gaming Bill 2025: Dream11, MPL & Zupee Halt Cash Games as India Bans Real-Money Gaming

Online Gaming Bill 2025 Passed: Dream11, MPL & Zupee Suspend Cash Games Amid India’s Historic Ban on Real-Money Online Gaming Industry

In a landmark move, India’s Parliament has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, effectively outlawing online real-money gaming. The legislation broadly bans games involving monetary transactions—ranging from fantasy sports to rummy and poker—citing the financial and psychological risks they pose to users.

Immediate Aftermath: Dream11 Halts Pay-to-Play Contests

Leading fantasy sports platform Dream11, operated by Dream Sports, has paused all “Pay-to-Play” contests on its platforms, including newer ventures like Dream Picks and Dream Play. The company assured users their funds remain secure and continues to permit withdrawals. Dream11’s flagship app, where users could enter contests for as low as ₹29, is primed for a full shutdown of cash-based formats once the law is formally notified post-presidential assent.

MPL Suspends Money-Based Gaming, Eyes Free-to-Play Future

Mobile Premier League (MPL)—valued at around $2.5 billion—announced the immediate suspension of all real-money offerings. The platform will no longer accept deposits, though users can still withdraw existing balances without hassle. MPL emphasized its commitment to delivering engaging, free-to-play experiences, with an eye on esports and casual gaming as strategic pivots.

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Zupee Stops Paid Games, Keeps Free Classics Alive

Gaming startup Zupee also discontinued all paid gaming activities. However, its free titles—such as Ludo Supreme, Ludo Turbo, Snakes & Ladders, and Trump Card Mania—remain live and available to users, ensuring continued engagement sans financial stakes.

Industry-Wide Fallout

The bill’s passage sent shockwaves through India’s online gaming ecosystem—then valued at $3.6 billion by 2029 projections. Companies like Gameskraft, Probo, PokerBaazi, and others quickly began winding down real-money operations. Layoffs are already underway, and investor confidence is shaken, with firms recalibrating or freezing funding.

Political Pushback and Economic Concerns

Gaming industry bodies swiftly appealed to policymakers, warning that a blanket ban could result in a ₹20,000 crore annual tax loss and push users to unregulated offshore platforms—potentially elevating the very risks the bill intends to quell.

A New Regulatory Blueprint Emerges

Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that comprehensive rules under the new bill are nearing completion, with the law headed for the President’s assent. He likened the harm from real-money gaming to that caused by drug abuse and proposed the creation of a national authority focused on promoting regulated esports and social games.

What’s Next?

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 came into effect on August 21, 2025, establishing a legal framework for licensing, classifying games (skill-based vs. chance-based), enforcing responsible gaming safeguards, and launching a National Online Gaming Commission (NOGC) to oversee compliance. Penalties include fines and imprisonment for violation, while licensed platforms must ensure user protection, age verification, and secure financial practices.

Snapshot Summary

• Online Gaming Bill 2025 bans real-money games, citing addiction and financial harm.

• Dream11, MPL, and Zupee have all suspended cash-based operations, offering alternatives where possible.

• The fast-evolving regulatory environment has caused layoffs, business pivots, and investment freezes across the sector.

• A national regulator (NOGC) is being set up to license and supervise the emergent online gaming landscape.

• Industry associations warn of major economic losses and are voicing legal challenges.

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With real-money gaming banned nearly overnight, India’s digital entertainment scene is undergoing a seismic shift. Major players are navigating a tricky pivot toward free, skill-based and esports formats, all under the watchful eye of new regulators.

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