India Passes Bill to Prohibit Real-Money Gaming Apps: What The Bill Means For Dream11, MPL And Others

India’s parliament has approved a new bill that bans all online games involving money, regardless of whether they are based on skill or chance. The law prohibits advertising such platforms, stops banks from processing related payments, and sets penalties of up to three years in jail, along with fines for violators. Once signed by the president, a step considered a formality, the bill will become law. Also Read: After MPL And PokerBaazi, Games24x7 Cuts Jobs As Govt Ban Hits Real-Money Gaming Sector

Why is it crucial? This online real-money gaming ban comes at a time when the industry in India was projected to reach nearly $9 billion by 2029. Popular real-money gaming platforms such as Dream11, MPL, My11Circle, and RummyCircle get most of their revenues from money-based formats like fantasy cricket, rummy, and poker. With the ban, these apps face the possibility of shutdowns.  Also Read: Dream11, Winzo, My11Circle At Risk As Online Gaming Bill 2025 Targets Money-Based Games

Why Real-Money Online Games Are Getting Banned?

Games that heavily trade on money can excite players to keep spending money beyond their real means. The thrill of a fast payout quickly turns into a darker scenario, which can cause massive losses, accumulating debt, as well as chronic anxiety. By designating the games as “harmful,” the Indian government flags risks that are both economic and emotional for individuals and their close circles.

Until now, the government had leaned on taxation and strict monitoring, imposing a 28% GST on gaming revenues and a 30% tax on winnings. More than 1,400 illegal betting sites have been blocked since 2022. But with this new law, the focus has shifted from regulating to completely prohibiting real-money games within the country.

Online Real-Money Gaming Ban Impact

This bill has caused tension within the sector, including share prices and the daily jobs of professionals.  Industry groups say that the ban will wipe out thousands of jobs and push Indian players toward unregulated offshore platforms that lack consumer protections.