Dream11 and WinZO Adapt to India’s Ban on Real-Money Gaming

The Indian government has enacted a ban on real-money gaming, prompting major adjustments from key players in the sector. Dream11, operated by parent company Dream Sports, has announced that it will not contest the new regulations in court. Instead, the company will shift its focus toward developing new platforms, including a financial services app called Dream Money.

Following the introduction of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which received presidential assent from President Droupadi Murmu on August 28, 2025, Dream11’s leadership has expressed a commitment to comply with the new legal environment. The bill imposes severe penalties for those facilitating real-money gaming, including potential imprisonment of up to three years and fines reaching ₹1 crore (approximately $120,000).

Harsh Jain, the CEO of Dream Sports, stated, “When our business model was constitutionally protected, we ran it. Now that the law has changed, we’ve complied immediately — even before the ban was formally signed. And I can say clearly: Dream11 will not challenge this law in court.” This declaration underscores the company’s strategy to pivot away from its previous business model and explore new avenues for growth.

With the ban affecting the core fantasy sports business, Dream11 plans to enhance its offerings through various platforms such as DreamCricket, DreamSetGo, and FanCode. The introduction of Dream Money marks a significant move into the financial services space, providing users with diversified options beyond just gaming.

WinZO, a competitor in the online gaming landscape, is also taking proactive steps in response to the regulatory changes. The company is working on new product lines to adapt to the constraints imposed by the government, ensuring that it retains its user base and continues to grow amidst these challenges.

The shift in the Indian gaming sector reflects broader regulatory changes and the government’s stance on online gambling. As companies like Dream11 and WinZO adjust their business strategies, it remains to be seen how effectively they can navigate this evolving landscape while meeting consumer demands.

The new law not only affects gaming companies but also places restrictions on advertising and promoting such platforms. Violators face punishments of up to two years in prison and fines up to ₹50 lakh (approximately $60,000). These measures are part of the government’s efforts to regulate the online gaming industry and curb illegal activities associated with real-money gaming.

As the landscape of online gaming in India undergoes significant transformation, both Dream11 and WinZO are positioning themselves to adapt and thrive in this new environment. Their ability to innovate and diversify will be crucial as they navigate the implications of the recent legal changes.