Online Gaming Bill 2025: Dream11 May loose BCCI Sponsorship

New Delhi, August 24, 2025 — The recently passed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 could have a massive financial impact on Indian cricket. Fantasy sports giant Dream11 has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that it may not be able to continue as the lead sponsor of the Indian cricket team.

Dream11’s Sponsorship Deal in Trouble

Dream11 currently has a $44 million (₹358 crore approximately) sponsorship deal with the BCCI, signed for the period 2023 to 2026. Along with My11Circle, another major fantasy sports company, these platforms contribute nearly ₹1,000 crore to Indian cricket annually through team and IPL sponsorships.

However, with the new bill banning real-money gaming, Dream11’s core revenue stream has been severely impacted. According to reports, the company has already shut down its real-money games following the government’s decision.

What the Online Gaming Bill Says

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 clearly states:

“No person shall offer, aid, abet, induce, engage in offering online money gaming services, nor shall involve in any advertisement that directly or indirectly promotes such platforms.”

While the bill still allows social gaming and subscription-based models, the ban on real money gaming wipes out nearly 90% of the fantasy sports market’s earnings.

See you in our second innings. pic.twitter.com/oEfBNiC4dd

— Dream11 (@Dream11) August 22, 2025

BCCI’s Response

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia declined to comment on the situation. However, sources suggest that Dream11 may not face heavy penalties since its contract with BCCI includes a waiver clause in case of any government regulations affecting its business.

An industry insider told PTI:

“Once real money gaming was banned, it was inevitable. Nearly 90% of fantasy gaming revenue comes from this. Dream11 has no choice but to rethink its role as lead sponsor.”

What About My11Circle and Other Brands?

This development also raises questions about My11Circle, which currently pays ₹125 crore annually as the official fantasy partner of the IPL. Analysts believe they might also pull back from sponsorships due to the same financial challenges.

Additionally, cricketers’ personal endorsement deals with fantasy sports platforms are likely to be affected. With fewer active fantasy operators, individual contracts could see a significant decline.

Dream11’s Official Statement

Dream11 released an official statement after the bill’s approval:

“We have always been a law-abiding company and conducted our business in compliance with the law. While we believe progressive regulation would have been the way forward, we will fully comply with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025.”

Key Highlights

• Dream11 likely to end its ₹358 crore sponsorship deal with BCCI.

• Online Gaming Bill 2025 bans real-money games across India.

• Nearly 90% of fantasy sports revenue is expected to be wiped out.

• My11Circle and other fantasy platforms may also review their partnerships.

• Cricketers’ endorsements with fantasy apps may decline sharply.