Dream Sports, the parent company of the prominent fantasy gaming platform Dream11, is reportedly preparing to cease its real money gaming (RMG) operations. This significant move comes in the wake of India's newly enacted Online Gaming Bill 2025, as reported by Entrackr and corroborated by sources. While Dream11 declined to issue an official statement when contacted, sources close to the company confirmed that employees were informed of the decision to shut down RMG during an internal town hall held on August 20. This decision carries substantial financial implications for Dream Sports, as RMG activities reportedly contribute over 67% of the company's annual revenues.

In response to the regulatory changes, Dream11 is expected to strategically shift its focus away from real money gaming. The Entrackr report suggests that the company plans to expand into non-real money options, such as Sportz Drip and Fancode. Furthermore, there will be an increased emphasis on existing investments, including Willow TV and Cricbuzz, along with a push for expansion into overseas markets. A source indicated that Dream11 might explore new game formats tailored for international audiences, mirroring strategies adopted by other online gaming entities like Mobile Premier League (MPL). The winding down of the RMG section is anticipated to have a "ripple effect" within the company, potentially leading to severe cost-cutting measures, including mass layoffs, given that the RMG business employed the majority of Dream Sports' workforce.

The legislative foundation for this shift was solidified with the approval of the Online Gaming Bill, 2025, by the Rajya Sabha on August 21, following its passage by the Lok Sabha on August 20. This legislation officially bans all forms of online money games across India. Union Minister of Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, presented the 'Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025' in the Upper House. He emphasized that while the bill aims to promote two-thirds of the online gaming segment, it specifically targets and prohibits online money games, which he described as a significant societal problem, particularly for middle-class youth.

Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the severe consequences of online money game addiction, stating that an estimated 45 crore people have fallen victim, leading to the loss of over ₹20,000 crore from middle-class families' hard-earned savings. Beyond the direct prohibition of online real money gaming, the bill also imposes restrictions on related advertisements and bars banks and financial institutions from facilitating or transferring funds for any such prohibited games.

The bill defines online money games as those played by depositing money in expectation of winning monetary and other rewards. To enforce these provisions, the legislation stipulates stringent penalties. Any individual or entity found offering an online money gaming service in violation of the bill's provisions could face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine that may extend to ₹1 crore, or both. Additionally, those involved in advertising such games in contravention of the rules could be subject to imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to ₹50 lakh, or both.