Online Gaming Bill: Dream11 parent firm, Gameskraft, Zupee, MPL begin suspending.

The Online Gaming Bill 2025: Dream11, MPL, Zupee, Gameskraft Begin Suspending Services

The Indian gaming industry has been shaken to its core with the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. Approved by both houses of Parliament on August 21, 2025, the bill introduces a sweeping ban on all real-money online gaming. This includes games of skill and chance, advertisements, and any payment facilitation associated with such platforms. The move, aimed at curbing addiction, financial losses, and related harms, has sent shockwaves across the country's multi-billion-rupee gaming sector.

What the Bill Says

The Online Gaming Bill bans all forms of real-money gaming, treating both skill-based and chance-based games under the same lens. The government cited rising cases of gambling addiction, financial distress, and social issues as the primary reasons for introducing the legislation. While the bill awaits the President’s assent, its impact has already begun.

Industry Leaders Respond

Some of India’s biggest online gaming platforms have started suspending their operations:

• Dream11 (Dream Sports): The fantasy sports giant, valued at $8 billion, has paused all cash-based contests on platforms like Dream Picks and Dream Play. Users are assured that withdrawals remain safe.
• Gameskraft (RummyCulture): The popular rummy platform has suspended “Add Cash” and gameplay features, though users can still withdraw their funds.
• Mobile Premier League (MPL): MPL has halted money-based games, stopped new deposits, and is pivoting towards free-to-play offerings.
• Zupee: The popular skill-gaming app has discontinued its paid games, while free versions of Ludo and Snakes & Ladders remain available.
• PokerBaazi (Nazara): PokerBaazi has shut down its real-money vertical, which in turn caused a stock sell-off for its parent firm Nazara.
• Probo: The platform immediately pulled the plug on its real-money gaming division.

The Industry Fallout

The bill has left the ₹23,000 crore real-money gaming industry in turmoil. Thousands of jobs, massive advertising partnerships, and big-ticket sponsorships are suddenly at risk. The ban directly impacts fantasy sports operators like Dream11 and MPL, who have invested heavily in the Indian Premier League (IPL), sports teams, and celebrities as brand ambassadors.

For investors, the wipeout is devastating. Several startups in this sector, once considered India’s next unicorns, are now scrambling to pivot to alternate business models. Many firms are also reportedly exploring legal action, arguing that fantasy sports and other skill-based games should be treated differently from gambling.

What This Means for Users

For players, the immediate concern is money. Fortunately, most platforms have confirmed that withdrawals are still active and user balances are safe. However, the days of real-money fantasy cricket, rummy, or online ludo may now be over in India.

Users can expect these platforms to shift focus toward casual gaming, esports, and free-to-play experiences. Companies like Dream Sports are already redirecting efforts into FanCode and other non-gambling ventures.

Looking Ahead

The Online Gaming Bill, 2025 represents a turning point in India’s digital entertainment ecosystem. While it seeks to protect citizens from addiction and financial losses, it also risks dismantling a flourishing industry that created jobs, attracted global investment, and boosted sports engagement.

The next few months will determine whether the sector can reinvent itself through free gaming, esports, and innovative content—or whether India’s real-money gaming dream has come to an end.

Conclusion The suspension of services by Dream11, Gameskraft, MPL, Zupee, and others marks the beginning of a new chapter for Indian gaming. As companies pivot and courts debate the bill, one thing is clear: the country’s gaming industry will never be the same again.