India’s Online Gaming Bill, 2025 has shaken the country’s gaming landscape, banning real-money play in fantasy sports and card games. To survive, many platforms may shift to a subscription-based model, where players pay for access but receive no monetary rewards.
India’s Online Gaming Bill 2025
The Indian Parliament has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans all real money games, including fantasy sports, poker, rummy, and card games.
The law makes it illegal to offer or advertise such platforms in India, and banks are restricted from processing related transactions.
For players, this means that local fantasy sports and real money apps will shut down over the coming months.
What’s banned ?
Fantasy Sports (e.g., Dream11, MPL fantasy cricket/football)
Card Games (online poker, blackjack, etc.)
Rummy (all variants, even skill-based)
Poker (skill-based or chance-based, both included)
Any game with real-money stakes (deposit + play = banned)
Simple: if it’s real money + gaming = banned, whether skill-based or chance-based.
Real Money Gaming Ban in India 2025
Local Platforms’ Reaction and Possible Responses
In conclusion, all fantasy sports and card game platforms may shift to a subscription-based model, where players pay to play but receive no monetary rewards in return.
Immediate Reaction: Indian real-money gaming companies (Dream Sports, MPL, WinZO, etc.) have strongly opposed the bill, warning it could destroy a ₹2 trillion industry and wipe out 200,000 jobs.
Legal Action: Industry bodies may challenge the ban in court under Article 19(1)(g), arguing it violates the constitutional right to trade and profession.
Lobbying Efforts: Federations have already written to PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, urging intervention and highlighting risks of pushing players toward illegal offshore betting.
What Does the Ban Mean for Indian Gamers?
The new law blocks Indian banks and wallets from handling any transactions tied to real-money games, making deposits and withdrawals on local platforms impossible.
It also imposes tough penalties—up to 3 years in jail or ₹10 million fines for companies, and up to 2 years or ₹5 million for celebrities who promote them. As a result, regulated Indian operators are shutting down, while players risk being pushed toward illegal matka networks, which are unsafe, unregulated, and offer no protection.
Is Offshore Gambling Legal for Indians?
The new bill bans Indian companies from offering real money games, but it does not criminalize individual players who access offshore platforms.
In other words, Indians who play on international sites are not breaking any law.
The government targets operators inside India, not the players.
Offshore platforms are licensed abroad and continue to run legally, meaning players face no penalties.
The only real impact is on India’s domestic gaming companies, which are now forced to shut down.
While the legal wording creates some uncertainty, in practice, players are safe.
Offshore casinos use international licenses, secure servers, and USDT/crypto payments that bypass local restrictions.
The ones truly hurt are the once-legal Indian platforms — players, meanwhile, still have safe and reliable offshore options.
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Why Offshore Betting Sites Are Still Accessible
The ban only applies to platforms operating inside India. Offshore casinos, licensed in jurisdictions like Malta or Curacao, are outside Indian regulatory control, making them still accessible to local players.
Offshore operators host their platforms on international servers and use foreign payment processors.
Many support crypto payments and alternative banking methods that bypass Indian restrictions, keeping the ecosystem alive for Indian users.
Future of Online Gambling in India
Industry experts argue the ban violates Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to practice a profession or business. Court challenges are expected in the coming months.
Will Indian players shift fully to offshore?
With domestic platforms shut down, millions of players may migrate to offshore casinos, similar to trends seen in markets where gambling bans have failed to curb demand.
Global gaming hubs (Dubai, Malta, Curacao, Singapore)
As the local industry collapses, companies may relocate operations to global gaming hubs known for regulatory support — including Dubai, Malta, Curacao, and Singapore, further fueling the offshore ecosystem.
Rahul — Fantasy Cricket Fan
Age 26 · Mumbai · IPL fantasy
With the new gaming ban approaching, Rahul worries about topping up his fantasy cricket wallet.
He enjoys the contests, but uncertainty over payouts makes him hesitate to invest more time and money.
“What if I deposit today and the law kicks in tomorrow? I don’t want my balance stuck forever.”
Before
Regularly joined fantasy cricket leagues
Confident in cash entry & small winnings
Trusted mainstream apps
Now
Hesitant to deposit due to policy risks
Fears sudden suspension of contests
Exploring offshore alternatives
FAQs
Can I still play fantasy sports legally?
No. All real money fantasy sports are banned under the bill. Free-to-play fantasy apps may survive, but without cash rewards.
How do I deposit money safely?
Most Indian banks may be blocked from processing gaming payments. Offshore casinos now support USDT (Tether), providing a fast and convenient option for deposits and withdrawals, along with other crypto and e-wallet methods.
Will the government block offshore sites?
Some domains may be restricted, but offshore casinos often use mirror sites, VPN access, and alternative gateways to remain available to Indian players.
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