India’s Lok Sabha has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans online games involving monetary deposits and rewards—covering fantasy sports, cards, rummy, and poker. A new regulatory authority will classify and regulate permissible gaming like e-sports while outlawing money-based gaming.
Apps in the Crosshairs: Indian Platforms Facing Curtailment or Closure
Fantasy Sports Platforms
- Dream11 – India’s largest fantasy sports platform, valued at \$8 billion.
- My11Circle, Howzat, MyTeam11, SG11 Fantasy
These rely on user entry fees and cash prizes and will be rendered illegal under the new law
Multi-Game and Rummy Platforms
- WinZO – Offers a variety of real-money games.
- Games24x7 – Includes RummyCircle, a top fantasy/rummy platform.
- Junglee Games (Rummy and Poker), PokerBaazi, GamesKraft/RummyCulture.
These platforms are built entirely around real-money gaming and face a total ban under the proposed legislation.
Investment Impact
- Nazara Technologies, which has invested heavily in PokerBaazi, may incur an ₹800 crore write-off.
- Valuation and investor confidence in these platforms are expected to plummet.
Broader Consequences Beyond App Closures
Erosion of Job Market and Investment
- Over 200,000 jobs across ~400 firms may be at risk due to this disruption.
- FDI, valued around ₹25,000 crore, and ₹20,000 crore in annual GST revenue are under threat.
Sports Sponsorship Collapse
- Many gaming platforms are major cricket sponsors. The ban could shrink sports sponsorship revenue, affecting BCCI and broadcasters.
Industry Pushback
- Gaming industry bodies have appealed to government leaders for a balanced regulatory approach, warning of revenue loss and increased user migration to unregulated platforms.
Summary Table: Apps Likely Impacted
| App / Platform | Type | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Dream11, My11Circle, Howzat, MyTeam11, SG11 Fantasy | Fantasy Sports | High (Total ban) |
| WinZO, Games24x7 (RummyCircle), Junglee Games, PokerBaazi, GamesKraft | Multi-game / Rummy / Poker | High (Total ban) |
| Nazara Tech (Investor) | Investment exposure | High (Asset write-down) |
