Impact of the Online Gaming Bill 2025 on Fantasy Sports Platforms
Concerns for My11Circle
My11Circle, a prominent fantasy sports platform in India, is now facing significant challenges following the Lok Sabha's approval of the Online Gaming Bill 2025 through a voice vote.
As My11Circle operates on the premise of users creating teams and betting money for potential rewards, it falls under the category of online money games, which the new legislation prohibits. This poses a serious threat to its fundamental business model.
Consequences of the Legislation
- Cash prize fantasy cricket is likely to be outlawed.
- Celebrity endorsements, including campaigns featuring Sourav Ganguly, may come under legal examination.
Potential Alternatives
- Shifting towards e-sports-style competitions where players earn recognition instead of monetary rewards.
- Advocating for the reclassification of fantasy sports as skill-based activities that do not involve gambling.
Legal Challenges and Future Prospects
Industry experts indicate that platforms like My11Circle might pursue legal action against the Bill, referencing its potential economic repercussions and past court decisions that recognized fantasy sports as skill-based games. However, without amendments to the law, My11Circle may need to explore non-monetary subscription options or face the risk of shutting down.
Overview of the Online Gaming Bill 2025
On August 20, 2025, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the Online Gaming Bill in the Lok Sabha amidst ongoing opposition protests. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was passed via voice vote. The Minister outlined that the government's goal is to foster online social games and esports.
The legislation bans all types of online money gaming, irrespective of whether they are based on skill, chance, or a mix of both. However, esports and social games can operate under a subscription model. The bill was approved after receiving Cabinet endorsement earlier that day.
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 prohibits any online games involving monetary stakes due to concerns over financial losses and addiction. It enforces a comprehensive ban on all online betting and gambling activities, including fantasy sports, card games like poker and rummy, and online lotteries.
Moreover, it restricts advertisements for such games, and banks and financial institutions are prohibited from facilitating transactions related to these activities.
Those who violate the law could face up to three years in prison or fines reaching Rs 1 crore once the bill is enacted by both Houses of Parliament.