Dream11, India’s biggest online gaming platform, has been forced to cease money-based offerings in the country and withdraw its $41 million sponsorship of the Indian cricket team.
The fantasy sports specialist had to act following the introduction of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which was pushed through Indian parliament last week.
The proposed law in India that could lead to an online games ban was ratified by president Draupadi Murmu on Friday, and the fresh legislation affects existing business just as much as it prevents new deals from happening.
That law now criminalises all money-based online gaming such as poker and other online casino games, as well as fantasy sports, with punishments ranging from large fines approaching $115,000 and prison sentences of up to five years.
In response to the new legislation, Dream11 confirmed: “This morning, we stopped all paid contests on Dream11 and pivoted entirely to a free-to-play online social game.”
It is estimated that 90% of the Mumbai-headquartered Dream Sports’ revenues were generated by Dream11’s paid offering.
In FY2023, Dream11 posted revenue of around $760 million.
What Are Dream11’s Sponsorship Deals?
Dream11 signed a three-year deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in July 2023, which established the gaming platform as lead sponsor for both the men’s and women’s national teams.
That included the firm’s logo being clearly displayed on the front of the adidas kits worn by both squads, with the collaboration extending to the end of 2026.
The Indian Express newspaper confirmed that Dream11 executives met with the BCCI to inform CEO Hemang Amin that they were withdrawing their sponsorship.
It is believed that won’t incur a penalty as there was a clause excusing Dream11 of financial liability if the firm’s core business was affected by any new government legislation.
The BBCI is now actively searching for anew sponsor ahead of India’s participation in the T20 Asia Cup, which begins on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates.
Dream11 had also secured partnerships within the Indian Premier League, being front-of-shirt sponsors for Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders and the firm was title sponsor for the competition in 2020.
Punjab Kings reached the 2025 IPL final in June, losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Dream11’s official Reaction
Dream11 took to X to release it’s official statement.
See you in our second innings. pic.twitter.com/oEfBNiC4dd
— Dream11 (@Dream11) August 22, 2025
The post read: “This morning, we stopped all paid contests on Dream11 and pivoted entirely to a free-to-play online social game.
“When we started this journey 18 years ago as a Sports Tech company, we were not even 1% of the size of the USA Fantasy Sports industry.
“Dream11’s Fantasy Sports product was our way to “Make Sports Better” for all of India.
“With this passion, belief, and the spirit of Made in India, for India, by Indians, we became the largest fantasy sports platform in the world.
“We have always been and will always be a law abiding company, and have conducted our business in compliance with the laws.
“While we believe that progressive regulations would have been the right way forward, we will respect the law and will fully comply with “The Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Law, 2025”.
“We are fortunate to have a portfolio of amazing Sports Tech businesses including FanCode, DreamSetGo and Dream Game Studios, along with our Dream Sports Foundation.
“These will continue to power our vision to “Make Sports Better” and support our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s ambition of making India a global sporting superpower.
“See you in our second innings.”
Jim Munro is a betting industry and gambling expert who has been a national newspaper journalist for over 30 years, predominantly at The Sunday Times and The Sun, where he wrote a weekly soccer betting column. Jim also worked on the launch of Virgin Bet with Gamesys and was subsequently head of editorial at LiveScore, the sports media and betting group.
