Why did India ban Dream11 and other gaming apps?

Parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 in August, imposing a blanket ban on all games involving monetary stakes regardless of whether they are skill-based or chance-based, citing concerns about gaming addiction and financial harm to vulnerable users.

Can I still withdraw money from my Dream11 account?

Most platforms allowed users to withdraw balances for a limited time after shutting down, but the window has likely closed. If you still have funds, check the app immediately or contact customer support.

Will VPNs let me keep playing fantasy sports?

VPNs can technically allow access to offshore gaming sites, but using them carries legal risks under PROGA's provisions and exposes users to unregulated platforms without consumer protections or grievance mechanisms.

Did the government give companies any warning?

No. The bill moved through Parliament in less than 72 hours with minimal debate. Companies received no advance notice and had no opportunity to prepare transition plans or negotiate exemptions.

How much money did Dream11 pay BCCI?

Dream11 had a ₹358 crore three-year sponsorship deal (2023-2026) with BCCI for Team India, while My11Circle paid ₹125 crore annually for IPL partnership rights, totaling approximately ₹1,000 crore in cricket sponsorships now terminated.

Are any gaming apps still legal in India?

E-sports titles meeting strict recognition requirements under the National Sports Governance Act 2025 and social games charging subscription fees without monetary prizes remain legal, but all real-money gaming is prohibited.

When will the Supreme Court decide on PROGA?

The Supreme Court scheduled hearings for January 21, 2026. A three-judge bench will determine whether Parliament had constitutional authority to pass PROGA given that gambling regulation falls under state jurisdiction.

How many jobs did the gaming ban eliminate?

The industry employed approximately 200,000 people directly in gaming companies plus tens of thousands more in supporting roles like content creation, payment processing, customer support, and related services.

Can Parliament just ban an entire industry like this?

That's the constitutional question before the Supreme Court. If gambling is exclusively a state subject under Entry 34 of the State List, then Parliament may have exceeded its authority by imposing a nationwide ban.

What happens to foreign investment in Indian gaming companies?

Major investors including Clairvest, Tiger Global, Multiples, and others have written down billions in portfolio value, with some writing off entire investments citing an "untenable" regulatory environment.

Dream11 Banned: How India Killed a ₹23,000 Crore Industry Overnight

Jake

Jan 16, 2026

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14 min read

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