India has banned real-money online gaming under a new law, prompting major platforms to suspend cash-based offerings while safeguarding user funds and compliance.
India has enacted a sweeping ban on real-money online gaming, with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 receiving presidential assent on August 22. The legislation imposes strict penalties, including up to three years’ imprisonment and fines of up to ₹1 crore for operators facilitating cash-based gaming. Advertising such platforms may attract fines of ₹50 lakh and prison sentences of up to two years.
The ruling has forced leading platforms such as Dream11, My11Circle, WinZO, PokerBaazi, and Mobile Premier League (MPL) to suspend their real-money offerings. Each of these companies emphasized compliance with the law while assuring users of the safety and accessibility of their funds.
Dream11 confirmed that all cash-based games and contests have been discontinued in India. The company reiterated its stance as a law-abiding business, noting that while progressive regulation would have been more sustainable, it will fully comply with the new law.
My11Circle, operated by Play Games24x7, similarly announced a complete suspension of real-money formats, citing adherence to the legislation. PokerBaazi assured its users that funds remain fully safe and available for withdrawal, even as it halts real-money play.
WinZO, with a portfolio of more than 100 cash-based games, stated it has responsibly withdrawn impacted offerings in compliance with Indian law. The company’s portfolio included popular titles such as Rummy, Solitaire, Fantasy Cricket, and Poker.
MPL, which counts more than 120 million registered users globally, suspended all cash-based offerings effective immediately. The company announced that while new deposits will no longer be accepted, users will be able to seamlessly withdraw their existing balances.
Financial and Industry Impact
The ban represents a pivotal moment for India’s fast-growing online gaming industry, which had been attracting substantial investor interest and fueling digital engagement. With real-money gaming forming a significant share of revenues, platforms may face immediate revenue compression. Analysts expect this could trigger consolidation within the industry, with companies pivoting toward ad-supported or subscription-based models to offset losses.
Despite the regulatory setback, the long-term potential of India’s online gaming sector remains considerable, driven by rising smartphone penetration and a young, digitally active population. Industry experts suggest that while the ban curtails short-term growth, it may also prompt a shift toward compliance-focused innovation and diversified monetization strategies, aligning the sector with broader governance and consumer protection priorities.
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