iGaming
India’s Dream11, MPL, and PokerBaazi Halt Money-Based Games After Sudden Government Ban
India’s booming online gaming sector has hit a major roadblock. Following a surprise parliamentary decision on Thursday, the government has banned all real-money online games, forcing some of the country’s biggest apps — including Dream11, PokerBaazi, and Mobile Premier League (MPL) — to suspend money-based services.
The Real Money online gaming ban not only blocks real-money gameplay but also outlaws related advertisements and payment gateways. The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, justified the move on grounds of consumer protection, citing risks of financial harm and potential psychological damage caused by gambling-like mechanics.
A $3.6 Billion Industry in Jeopardy
India’s online gaming industry, once forecasted to reach $3.6 billion by 2029, has now been thrown into turmoil. The sudden decision rattled investors, including global heavyweights Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners, who had backed the sector’s rapid expansion.
The market reaction to the real-money gaming ban was swift. Shares of Nazara Technologies, which owns nearly half of PokerBaazi’s operator Moonshine Technologies, plunged about 17% in just three trading sessions. Analysts warn further declines could follow if regulatory clarity is not provided soon.
Legal Battles Looming
Industry insiders say the fight over the real-money gaming ban is far from over. Leading gaming firms are reportedly consulting legal experts on challenging the ban in the Supreme Court of India, arguing that the regulation unfairly includes skill-based games such as poker and fantasy sports, which courts have previously distinguished from gambling.
“The industry was blindsided,” one source told Reuters, highlighting that no broad consultation took place before the measure was passed. Companies argue that the move threatens not only their survival but also the thousands of jobs and small businesses tied to the ecosystem.
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Dream11, MPL, and PokerBaazi Respond
While none of the companies have issued detailed public statements beyond confirming suspensions, insiders say contingency plans are being developed. Platforms are weighing whether to continue offering free-to-play skill games, while lobbying for exemptions to allow real-money gaming skill contests to return.
Dream11, India’s largest fantasy sports platform, faces particular challenges as the ban coincides with the upcoming cricket season, traditionally its peak revenue period.
What Happens Next?
The ban marks one of the most brutal crackdowns yet on India’s digital economy. Analysts warn it could discourage further global investment in Indian tech startups if regulators continue to take abrupt, sweeping decisions without industry consultation.
At the same time, public opinion over the real-money gaming ban remains divided. Some welcome the move as a step to curb addiction and financial losses among vulnerable users, while others see it as an unnecessary blow to innovation.
With the Supreme Court challenge expected in the coming weeks, the future of India’s online gaming landscape now hangs in the balance. Until then, fans of fantasy sports, online poker, and competitive mobile gaming will be left in limbo.
