Archive — US — techcrunch
As India bans real-money games, Dream Sports, MPL start pulling the plug
India has enacted a ban on real-money gaming, prompting startups like Dream Sports and MPL to cease operations. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, aims to promote casual gaming instead. This sweeping change may impact thousands of jobs in the sector, which previously had an estimated value of ₹2 trillion and significant tax contributions.
Key points
- Indian Parliament passed the Online Gaming Bill, banning real-money gaming.
- Dream Sports and MPL immediately suspended all real-money gaming operations.
- Other startups like Gameskraft, Probo, and Zupee followed suit.
- Employees of these companies are seeking new jobs due to expected layoffs.
- The real-money gaming sector is valued at ₹2 trillion and generates significant tax revenues.
Why it matters
- The ban reflects a growing trend in government regulation of gaming industries worldwide.
- Similar legislative actions have been seen in regions addressing gambling-related social issues.
- The move aligns with the shift towards casual gaming and esports as viable entertainment alternatives.
The real-money gaming ban in India represents a significant regulatory shift, impacting a multi-billion-dollar industry and thousands of jobs, while advancing the government’s agenda to reshape the gaming landscape towards safer, casual experiences.