

The recent implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 has caused huge disruption to a number of Indian gaming sites, including Dream 11, which previously offered fantasy sports contests.
Law changes mean that these sites are no longer able to offer any real money options to their players, and in the case of Dream11 the site looks likely to close. In this article we’ll take a look at the current situation and the options that will remain available to Indian gamers, together with some viable alternatives.
Play Now!The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 dictates that all real money online activity offered by sites like WinZO and Dream11 must cease with immediate effect. This includes any skill-based games, and paid entry fantasy sports contests. Defying the new laws is a criminal offence, and it carries heavy penalties, including jail time.
While casinos like Dream11 have the option to continue by offering free-to-play options, it seems the brand is more likely to close its virtual doors for good. Due to a strong focus on fantasy cricket, Dream11 have been sponsors of the Team India cricket squad for several years, but media reports suggest that they have already pulled out of their existing sponsorship deal.
While Dream11 and sites like Zupee may close down permanently, some other brands, including WinZO and MPL, have vowed to keep their sites alive on a social-only basis. However, for many Indian gaming enthusiasts that may not be enough, and they will surely seek out viable alternatives.
One such option is to look further afield to the international market, where there are an abundance of sites that are happy for Indian players or sports bettors to sign up. Many global gambling brands have the advantage of offering casino games and sports betting on the same site. Here’s a snapshot of what these sites typically have on offer:
| Games and sports | You can expect |
|---|---|
| Slot games |
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| Casino table games |
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| Live dealer tables and gameshows |
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| Hundreds of sports and betting markets |
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| In-play betting and live streaming |
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As you’ve seen, there are alternatives available for those who previously frequented Dream11 and enjoyed fantasy sports contests, or the skill-based games available at sites like MPL. Switching to internationally available real money brands has many positives, but just one small drawback:
With real money skill-based games and paid fantasy sports no longer permitted in India, Dream11 and similar sites have a lot to consider when it comes to their plans for the future. While one or two brands intend to continue on a social-only basis, many will close down permanently during the coming months.
This will leave a gap in the lives of their former players, but it’s one that can be filled by a reliable casino and/or sportsbook site that’s available internationally. If you find yourself in this situation right now, rest assured that there are plenty of viable options out there, it’s just a matter of tracking down the right one.
Now that paid entry fantasy sports contests are no longer permitted in India, the most viable alternatives can be found among the many global gambling brands that accept Indian players and bettors.
While playing skill-based games for real money is no longer allowed in India, some of the existing gaming brands, including WinZO and MPL have opted to remain operational on a social-only basis.
A number of reasons have been cited by Indian government officials. Primarily a belief that real money gambling sites are responsible for financial distress, gambling addiction and national security.
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