India’s biggest real-money gaming (RMG) platforms, including Dream11, Mobile Premier League (MPL), Zupee and Gameskraft, have started suspending paid contests and cash-based games after Parliament approved the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 this week.
The legislation, which has cleared both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, bans all forms of money-based online games — defined as platforms where users deposit cash with the expectation of winning rewards. At the same time, the bill seeks to encourage eSports and free social gaming.
Dream11 pauses contests
Dream11 announced on Friday that it has stopped all “cash games and contests” on its platforms, including its new fantasy app Dream Picks and casual RMG product Dream Play. A notice on the app told users that their wallet balances remain safe and can be withdrawn anytime.
Industry sources said Dream11 may fully suspend paid contests on its flagship app once the law comes into effect after presidential assent. The company, valued at nearly $8 billion, is also the lead sponsor of Team India’s jerseys — a deal that may now come under review.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the cricket board will comply with the new rules. “If it’s not permissible, we will not do anything. The BCCI will follow every policy framed by the central government,” he stated.
MPL, Gameskraft, Zupee follow suit
MPL confirmed it has halted all money games and stopped taking new deposits, though withdrawals remain open. “We remain committed to offering free-to-play, competitive gaming experiences and will keep our community informed on the next steps,” the company said.
Gameskraft, which operates rummy platforms such as RummyCulture, has also disabled “Add Cash” and “Gameplay” services, while assuring players their funds are secure. Zupee too has discontinued its paid games but continues to offer free titles like Ludo Supreme and Snakes & Ladders.
Legal challenge ahead?
According to Reuters, several gaming companies are in talks with lawyers to challenge the new law in the Supreme Court. The industry may argue that certain games like poker and rummy involve skill and should not be treated as gambling.
The new bill, introduced by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, also bans advertisements for money-based gaming and instructs banks and payment services to block transactions to such platforms. Violations could result in a jail term of up to three years along with fines.
