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 prohibited from processing related transactions.
This means that local fantasy sports and real money apps will be shut down in the coming months for players.
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.
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 prohibits Indian banks and digital wallets from processing transactions related to real-money gaming. This makes it impossible to deposit or withdraw funds on local platforms.
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.
Best Offshore Online Casinos for Indian Players (2025)
#1 Dubai7
Instant
500 INR
NO LIMITS
200% up to 9000 INR
Licensed in Curacao, uses SSL encryption and supports USDT for safer, traceable transactions.
#2 Vegas11
Instant
500 INR
NO LIMITS
30% up to 5000 INR
Operates under an international gaming license, offers fair play certification and 24/7 support to build trust.
#3 Parimatch
1-2 Hours
300 INR
100,000 INR/day
150% up to 30,000 INR
A globally recognized brand with regulated operations in multiple jurisdictions, ensuring secure payments and compliance.
(*High wagering requirement)
#4 Betway
Same Day
200 INR
50,000 INR/day
100% up to 2,500 INR
One of the most legitimately licensed operators worldwide, known for strict adherence to responsible gaming policies.
(*High wagering requirement)
#5 1xBet
1-2 Hours
100 INR
No Limits
100% up to 20,000 INR
Registered offshore with wide acceptance, emphasizes data protection and multi-layer security, though legal status in India remains a gray area.
(*High wagering requirement)
Why Offshore Betting Sites Are Still Accessible
This ban only applies to platforms operating within 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 will likely migrate to overseas casinos in a similar way to what has been seen in markets where gambling bans have failed to reduce 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
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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