Last Updated on 2 months by Charbel Coorey
The world of fantasy cricket has been turned upside down in recent days, with the Indian Government’s 2025 Online Gaming Bill putting a halt to paid contests on platforms like Dream11. The bill bans money-based online games as they are considered high risk in terms of addiction.
Federal IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was quite strong in his view as to why the new law should be introduced. “It is the duty of the government and the parliament to take strict action against social evils, which keep erupting time and again,” he said in parliament on Thursday August 21, as quoted by Reuters.
Fans can still partake in fantasy cricket, but no cash games are permitted. Dream11 is now offering prizes including an iPhone 16 for free-to-play contests.
Reactions to the 2025 Online Gaming Bill and its impact on fantasy cricket platforms like Dream11
Dream11 released a statement on social media. “This morning, we stopped all paid contests on Dream11 and pivoted entirely to a free-to-play online social game,” it read. The full statement is below.
The news has divided opinion. Below is a look at reactions for and against the ban.
Arguments for the ban on platforms like Dream11
Those in support of the ban believe platforms like Dream11 have caused more harm than good, especially given the risk of gambling addictions on mobile platforms. Also, some fans are optimistic of the possibility that this will be the end of pop up T10 and T20 leagues around the world, which have been backed by Dream11.
“You never cared about sport. All you did is use sports & people’s emotions to earn money outta it. You had no one monitoring the age of the users or figuring out users with addiction to get them help. You milked every last penny & never accountable,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Arguments against the ban on platforms like Dream11
Those against the ban believe the move will have a profound impact on cricket. The belief is that fantasy sports keeps fans more engaged to see how the players they have picked in their own XI perform. Also, the impact on leagues such as the European Cricket League (ECN) remains to be seen.
“The ECN league you guys label a joke brought tons of jobs within the industry and revived cricket in Associate nations in Europe. If you’re a cricket-first fan, you should be sad. This is a regressive move that pushes back the sport,” wrote Cricxtasy’s Rohit Sankar on X (formerly Twitter).
Peeyush Sharma, a very well-known figure in fantasy sports, shares similar sentiments. “Dream11 and fantasy sports shutting down is a huge setback for cricket & sporting ecosystem in India, and all over the world. IPL, global T20 leagues, State T20 leagues, women’s cricket, T10, legends/celebrity leagues all will get a massive hit. Few will not even survive,” he wrote.
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