The Online Gaming Bill 2025, recently passed by the Lok Sabha, casts a shadow of uncertainty over My11Circle, a prominent fantasy sports platform in India. The bill classifies platforms where users create teams and wager money for rewards as online money games, which are explicitly prohibited. This poses a significant risk to My11Circle’s core operations.
The implications of the bill are substantial. Fantasy cricket platforms with cash rewards are likely to face a ban. Furthermore, high-profile advertising campaigns featuring celebrities such as Sourav Ganguly could come under legal scrutiny.
Possible solutions for platforms like My11Circle include transitioning to e-sports-style competitions, where leaderboards and recognition replace monetary winnings. Another option is to lobby for the reclassification of fantasy sports as skill-based activities, distinct from gambling. Industry sources suggest that My11Circle might legally challenge the bill, citing its potential economic impact and past court rulings. However, without legislative changes, My11Circle may need to adopt non-monetary subscription models or face complete closure.
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The bill aims to encourage online social games and esports. It prohibits all forms of online money gaming, irrespective of skill or chance, while allowing esports and social games to operate under subscription models. The bill’s intent is to curb issues like financial losses and addiction by imposing a blanket ban on online betting and gambling, including fantasy sports, card games, and online lotteries. Moreover, it restricts advertisements promoting such games and bars financial institutions from processing related transactions. Violators may face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 1 crore once the bill is passed in both houses of Parliament.
