The world of fantasy sports in India has been shaken to its core. The sudden and sweeping ban on real-money online gaming (RMG) by the Union government has triggered shockwaves across the industry, with Dream11—India’s largest fantasy sports platform—directly in the crossfire.
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Among the loudest voices criticizing the move is Smrita Singh Chandra, former Vice President of Policy Communications at Dream11, who has called the government’s decision “deeply unjust” and “unethical.” In a heartfelt statement, Chandra described the overnight criminalization of fantasy sports platforms as a severe blow to innovation, jobs, and the very idea of fairness in India’s digital economy.
A Ban That Stunned the Industry
The ban comes on the heels of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, passed in the Lok Sabha. The bill, presented by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, prohibits all forms of real-money gaming—whether skill-based or chance-based—while only allowing e-sports and educational gaming to operate legally.
This blanket ban has effectively outlawed fantasy sports companies like Dream11, which for over a decade had been recognized by multiple Supreme Court and High Court judgments as offering “games of skill” and not gambling.
For Chandra, who spent nine years working with Dream11, this sudden reversal represents not just a legal contradiction, but also an ethical betrayal. “Declaring a platform illegal after years of validation, taxation, and judicial recognition isn’t just wrong—it is deeply unethical,” she wrote in a strongly worded LinkedIn post.
Building Dream11 “Brick by Brick”
In her statement, Chandra recalled her journey at Dream11, highlighting how the company painstakingly built its operations “brick by brick, regulation by regulation, court order by court order.”
She explained that every aspect of the platform was developed with compliance and ethical guidelines in mind. From ensuring responsible gameplay to aligning with judicial rulings, Dream 11 positioned itself as a responsible player in India’s digital economy.
Yet, in spite of all this groundwork, the government has chosen to treat fantasy sports on the same level as gambling, ignoring the industry’s efforts to distinguish itself as skill-based and transparent.
Fantasy Sports vs. Gambling: The Ongoing Debate
The heart of the debate lies in the difference between fantasy sports and gambling. Multiple judicial bodies, including the Supreme Court of India, have previously ruled in favor of fantasy sports, recognizing that building a team on platforms like Dream 11 involves skill, strategy, and knowledge of cricket and other sports, rather than mere chance.
Fantasy sports enthusiasts argue that the skill component is what sets them apart from betting. Unlike gambling, where outcomes depend purely on luck, users of Dream11 must research player form, pitch conditions, and statistics before creating their teams.
By grouping fantasy sports under the same ban as betting apps, critics argue that the government has blurred an important legal and ethical distinction.
The Economic Fallout of the Ban
Chandra also highlighted the devastating economic impact of the ban. According to her, India’s fantasy sports market was valued at USD 1.82 billion in 2025 and was projected to grow to USD 5.05 billion by 2030, registering an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.6%.
“These aren’t just numbers,” she said. “They reflect livelihoods, innovation in Indian sports, highly skilled jobs, and a new generation of digitally empowered sports fans.”
Indeed, platforms like Dream 11 have created tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs—from data analysts and coders to marketing professionals and grassroots sports initiatives. By shutting down this sector overnight, critics argue that the government has jeopardized not just corporate profits but also the futures of countless employees and small businesses tied to the ecosystem.
Impact on Sports Engagement in India
Fantasy sports platforms like Dream 11 have also played a unique role in driving fan engagement in Indian cricket and other sports. Millions of fans, especially from smaller towns, use these platforms to connect with games at a deeper level—analyzing players, learning strategies, and even following lesser-known tournaments.
By encouraging analytical thinking and sports knowledge, fantasy sports have effectively created a new category of digital sports enthusiasts in India. With the ban, this vibrant fan culture faces disruption, leaving millions disappointed and disconnected.
Critics Call the Ban “Unfair and Sudden”
The biggest concern raised by industry insiders is not just the ban itself, but the manner in which it was imposed. According to Chandra, the overnight decision ignored years of taxation, licensing, and compliance measures followed by companies like Dream11.
She emphasized that the government’s lack of dialogue with stakeholders has sent the wrong message to innovators across India. “This isn’t just about one company. This is about fairness. About creating an ecosystem where innovation is encouraged, not penalised without dialogue,” she wrote.
Industry Reactions: A Divided Landscape
The announcement has divided opinion. While some policy makers argue that banning real-money gaming protects vulnerable users from addiction and financial losses, industry leaders insist that proper regulation—not prohibition—is the way forward.
Other fantasy sports executives have echoed Chandra’s concerns, stating that treating Dream11 and similar platforms as gambling sites is “legally inconsistent and economically short-sighted.”
Several analysts warn that India’s ban could push fantasy sports users towards illegal offshore betting apps, which are far harder to regulate and often pose risks of fraud and money laundering.
Calls for Reconsideration
Chandra concluded her statement with an emotional appeal for dialogue and reconsideration. As a “proud ex-Dreamster,” she urged the government to differentiate between fantasy sports and gambling and to recognize the role companies like Dream11 have played in shaping India’s digital and sporting landscape.
“This isn’t about profits or platforms—it’s about livelihoods, fairness, and the future of innovation,” she wrote.
What Lies Ahead for Fantasy Sports in India?
The immediate future looks uncertain. With the new law in place, fantasy sports apps like Dream 11 are technically illegal. However, industry experts believe that lobbying, legal challenges, and growing public pressure could still influence the final outcome.
If the government reconsiders and opts for tighter regulation instead of an outright ban, platforms like Dream11 may yet survive. But if the current stance holds, India could lose one of its fastest-growing digital industries at a time when global investors were eyeing the country as a hub for gaming innovation.
The ban on real-money gaming has sparked an unprecedented debate on the future of fantasy sports in India. For many, the move is not only a legal contradiction but also a betrayal of trust. Platforms like Dream11, which spent years building credibility through compliance and judicial recognition, now face an uncertain fate.
While supporters of the ban argue it will protect users, critics insist that such sweeping decisions will harm jobs, innovation, and India’s global digital reputation. As of now, the future of Dream11 and the fantasy sports industry hangs in the balance, with millions of fans and professionals waiting anxiously for clarity.
Disclaimer : This article is based on media reports, expert commentary, and public statements. The views expressed by individuals quoted herein are their own. No official clarification has yet been provided by the Union government or BCCI regarding the long-term future of Dream11 or other fantasy sports platforms.
