Daybreak Why Dream11's dream run with Indian cricket came to a grinding halt
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Aug 21, 2025 India's fantasy sports scene is in turmoil following the government's controversial ban on real-money online gaming, targeting Dream11. A former VP calls the ban unethical, warning of severe economic impacts. The discussion pivots around whether Dream11 is a game of skill or just gambling masked as entertainment. With the industry valued at nearly $2 billion and looking to grow, the stakes are high amid concerns over gaming addiction and money laundering. It's a clash between regulation and innovation that could reshape the future of online gaming in India.
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Industry Leader's Stark Reaction
- Smrita Singh Chandra called the ban on real-money online games "deeply unjust and unethical."
- She warned the ban could slam an industry that grew into a unicorn with over 200 million users.
How Dream11 Became Ubiquitous
- Dream11 scaled by shifting to low-fee daily contests and heavy cricket marketing.
- Title-sponsoring the 2020 IPL turned it from a startup into a mainstream sports-economy player.
The Platform's Core Mechanics
- Dream11 users build virtual teams whose points mirror real players' match performance.
- The platform charges entry fees and offers large prize pools, blending strategy with financial stakes.