New Delhi: Dream11, the fantasy sports giant and proud sponsor of Team India, is reportedly pulling the plug on its real money gaming business.
This decision, tied to a new online gaming bill passed by the Rajya Sabha, could shake up the world of fantasy sports in India. With claims swirling that Team India might play the upcoming Asia Cup without a sponsor, let’s break down what’s happening and what it means for cricket and gaming fans alike
The End Of Real Money Gaming
Dream11, India’s biggest fantasy sports platform, has been a household name for cricket fans who love picking their dream teams and winning cash prizes. But recent media reports suggest the company is winding down its real money gaming (RMG) operations, which made up a whopping two-thirds of its revenue. The decision comes on the heels of the Online Gaming Bill 2025, recently passed by the Rajya Sabha, which tightens regulations on real money gaming platforms like Dream11, rummy, and poker. While the exact details of the bill remain under wraps, it’s clear the new rules are pushing companies to rethink their business models.
Impact On Team India’s Sponsorship
Dream11 has been a key sponsor of Indian cricket, proudly sporting its logo on Team India’s jerseys since 2023, when it took over from Byju’s for a reported Rs 358 crore deal. The sponsorship, set to run until 2027, has been a major boost for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), funding everything from player development to grassroots cricket. But with Dream11 scaling back its core business, some reports claim Team India might take the field for the Asia Cup without a sponsor’s logo — a rare sight for the Men in Blue. However, there’s no official word from the BCCI or Dream11 confirming this, and the situation remains fluid.
Why The Shift?
The Online Gaming Bill has sent shockwaves through the industry. Posts on X suggest it’s hitting online gaming companies hard, with Dream11’s exit from real money gaming being a direct response to stricter regulations. The bill reportedly aims to curb betting-like activities disguised as fantasy sports, a criticism some have leveled at platforms like Dream11. While fantasy sports were initially carved out as an exception when Dream11 bagged the BCCI sponsorship, the new rules seem to have closed that loophole. For Dream11, this could mean pivoting to non-monetary gaming or other ventures to stay afloat.
Mixed Reactions
The news has sparked a heated debate. Some cricket fans on X argue that Dream11’s exit could hurt the sport’s growth, pointing to its role in creating livelihoods for lesser-known players and boosting cricket’s global reach. Others, however, see it as a step toward curbing gambling-like activities, with one user calling Dream11’s sponsorship a “disgrace” to Indian culture. The truth likely lies in the middle— Dream11’s contributions to cricket are undeniable, but the regulatory shift reflects growing concerns about real money gaming’s impact on society.
What’s Next For Dream11 and Cricket?
Dream11 isn’t down and out yet. The company, valued at a massive Rs 67,000 crore, has a history of resilience, having overcome 150 rejections to become a unicorn. It may explore new revenue streams, like ad-based or subscription models, to keep its platform thriving. For the BCCI, the potential loss of Dream11’s sponsorship could mean hunting for a new partner, though their deep pockets and global appeal make that less of a worry. The bigger question is whether the Asia Cup will see Team India sans a sponsor — a symbolic shift that could spark further debate.
Dream11’s decision to wind down its real money gaming business marks a turning point for India’s fantasy sports industry and its ties to cricket. With the Online Gaming Bill reshaping the landscape, the company faces a challenging road ahead, and Team India’s sponsorship hangs in the balance.