India’s parliament has passed a significant bill banning online gambling, responding to alarming government figures indicating that companies were extracting $2.3 billion annually from 450 million people.
The ban impacts various platforms, including those for card games, poker, and fantasy sports. This includes India’s popular fantasy cricket apps.
The future for Dream11, the largest fantasy sports gaming platform in India and the main sponsor of the national cricket team, is now uncertain.
Devajit Saikia, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stated, “If it’s not permissible, we’ll not do anything.” He emphasized that the BCCI would adhere to all policies set by the central government.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill was approved by both houses of parliament late Thursday. It criminalizes the offering, promotion, and financing of online gambling, imposing penalties of up to five years in prison for offenders.
Following the bill’s passage, Dream11 announced on its website that “cash games and contests have been discontinued.” However, they encouraged fans to “stay tuned” for further updates.
While the bill still requires formal ratification by the president to take effect, other gaming options remained available online as of Friday.
The government stated that this legislation aims to combat addiction, financial ruin, and social distress caused by predatory gaming platforms that promise quick wealth.
India’s gaming industry is one of the largest globally, but the new law allows exceptions for e-sports and educational games, which the government plans to promote as part of the digital economy.
