By Soumya Ranjan As India moves toward an Online Gaming Bill that would outlaw all online money gaming services, well-known online gaming platform Dream11 has made the decision to discontinue all paid competitions and transition to a “free-to-play” online social game platform.
On Friday, August 22, Dream11, a well-known online gaming platform, declared in an official statement that it had discontinued all of its paid competitions and switched to a “free-to-play” online social game.
In a statement posted on social media site X, the business stated, “We stopped all paid contests on Dream11 this morning and completely switched to a free-to-play online social game.”
Following President Droupadi Murmu’s Friday assent to the Online Gaming Bill 2025, which outlaws all online money gaming services in the nation, the action was taken.
“We have always operated in accordance with the law and will continue to do so as a law-abiding business. We will honor the law and adhere strictly to the Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Law, 2025, even though we think progressive regulations would have been the best course of action,” the statement stated.
Additionally, the company revealed that its FanCode, DreamSetG, Dream Game Studios, and Dream Sports Foundation businesses will now serve as its primary operations.
A recent Reuters report claims that other well-known gaming apps, such as Mobile Premier League (MPL) and PokerBaazi, have also discontinued their real-money services.
The central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referred to these games as high-risk and potentially financially damaging for users because of the psychological harm that could result from consuming such content.
Citing individuals with knowledge of the development, the agency report also noted that the gaming companies are seeking legal advice on challenging the ban on the grounds of inadequate consultation and a threat to a rapidly expanding industry.
What is the 2025 Online Gaming Bill?
Earlier today, Mint announced that the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, had received President Droupadi Murmu’s assent. On Thursday, August 21, the Rajya Sabha approved the bill.
On Wednesday, August 20, the Lok Sabha introduced and approved the Bill before the Rajya Sabha did.
All online money-gaming platforms are prohibited by the Online Gaming Bill 2025, and those who facilitate them risk fines of up to ₹1 crore and imprisonment of up to three years. According to the news report, the regulation also stipulates that anyone who uses advertisements to promote these platforms faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh.
With this bill, the government aimed to promote online social games and e-sports while cracking down on and outlawing harmful online money gaming services, ads, and associated financial transactions.
Also Read: The Online Gaming Bill has been signed into law by President Murmu