Online Gaming and Esports in India
The 2025 Online Gaming Act
In August 2025, Parliament passed a law banning online real-money games, ending fantasy sports, online rummy and poker for cash.
A sweeping change.
What it did
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 banned online games played for money, whether based on skill or chance.
Impact
Dream11, MPL, Zupee and others stopped real-money contests, and Dream11 ended its team sponsorship.
What remains
Esports, social games and educational games are supported and promoted.
Rationale
The government cited addiction, financial losses and fraud.
A shut app
Millions of users found paid contests suspended overnight.
Assuming games without money are affected
The law targets real-money play.
Key takeaways
- A 2025 Act banned real-money games.
- Major platforms suspended paid contests.
- Esports and social games are promoted.
- Addiction and fraud were cited.
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