NewsStocksDream11 and Major Gaming Platforms Halt Real-Money Games as Online Gaming Bill Reshapes IndustryDream11 and Major Gaming Platforms Halt Real-Money Games as Online Gaming Bill Reshapes Industry
Dream11 and other major online gaming platforms in India have suspended all paid contests in response to the Online Gaming Bill, 2025. Dream Sports, Dream11's parent company, is transitioning to a free-to-play model across its platforms. The bill aims to ban online money games while promoting e-sports and social games. This change significantly impacts the industry, which was valued at $3.70 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $9.10 billion by 2029. Other affected platforms include My11Circle, PokerBaazi, and WinZO. The industry now faces a critical period of adaptation and strategy recalibration.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
In a seismic shift for India's burgeoning online gaming industry, Dream11 and other major platforms have announced the immediate suspension of all paid contests following the passage of the Online Gaming Bill, 2025. This development marks a significant turning point for a sector that has seen rapid growth and substantial foreign investment in recent years.
Dream11 Transitions to Free-to-Play Model
Dream Sports, the parent company of Dream11, has made the decision to discontinue all pay-to-play contests across its platforms, including Dream11, Dream Play, and Dream Picks. The company is pivoting to a free-to-play model, allowing users to participate in games without monetary stakes. Existing users have been assured that they can withdraw their account balances, ensuring a smooth transition for the platform's large user base.
This move represents a substantial change for Dream Sports, which reported impressive financial figures for the fiscal year 2023:
| Financial Metric | FY2023 Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Revenue | 6,384.00 crore |
| Net Profit | 188.00 crore |
It's worth noting that over 90% of Dream Sports' revenue was generated from paid fantasy contests, underscoring the magnitude of this strategic shift.
Industry-Wide Impact
The repercussions of the Online Gaming Bill are being felt across the Indian gaming landscape. Other major platforms have also suspended their real-money gaming operations, including:
- My11Circle
- PokerBaazi (owned by Moonshine Technologies, in which Nazara Technologies holds a 46.07% stake)
- WinZO
The Online Gaming Bill and Its Implications
The Online Gaming Bill, 2025, seeks to ban all forms of online money games while promoting e-sports and social games. This legislation aims to reshape the Indian gaming sector, which has been on a remarkable growth trajectory:
- The sector was valued at $3.70 billion in 2024
- Projections indicated a potential reach of $9.10 billion by 2029
- India has attracted nearly $3.00 billion in foreign investment over five years
- The country boasts 1,888 gaming startups
Industry at a Crossroads
The Indian online gaming industry now finds itself at a critical juncture. The transition from real-money games to free-to-play models will likely necessitate significant adjustments in business strategies, revenue models, and user engagement approaches.
While the bill aims to promote e-sports and social games, companies will need to innovate and adapt to the new regulatory landscape. The coming months will be crucial as businesses recalibrate their operations and explore new avenues for growth within the confines of the new legislation.
As the dust settles on this landmark decision, all eyes will be on how the industry evolves and whether it can maintain its growth trajectory under the new regulatory framework. The resilience and adaptability of Indian gaming companies will be put to the test as they navigate this new era in online gaming.
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