Dream11 Ends Paid Contests and Sponsorship of India’s National Cricket Team
Dream11 Shifts from Paid Contests to Free-to-Play Games
Dream11, a leading name in India’s online fantasy sports arena, has announced a strategic shift away from its paid contest offerings in response to recent regulatory changes. Following India’s enactment of legislation restricting real-money online gaming, the company is taking decisive steps to comply with the new rules.
Regulatory Impact and Business Model Adjustment
On August 22, Dream11 confirmed it would discontinue all paid contests within the country as part of its adaptation to The Promotion & Regulation of Online Gambling Law 2025. Although the company previously operated under the premise that its games were skill-based and not subject to gambling laws, the updated legal framework casts a wider net over real-money gaming activities, directly influencing Dream11’s core offerings.
In a public statement shared on social media platform X, Dream11 reflected on its journey from a small startup to a major player in India’s sports technology industry. The company expressed gratitude to its user base and emphasized its continued dedication to fostering the local sports sector, while adhering strictly to legal guidelines.
Additionally, Dream11 highlighted its array of affiliated sports technology ventures, including FanCode, DreamSetGo, Dream Game Studios, and the Dream Sports Foundation, underscoring these as instrumental in realizing its mission to enhance sports in India and support the country’s ambitions on the global sporting stage.
Discontinuation of Sponsorship with the National Cricket Team
Reports indicate that paid contests comprised a significant revenue stream for Dream11. Consequently, the regulatory changes have led the company to end its high-profile sponsorship deal with India’s national cricket team, which was valued at $41 million. This partnership, established in 2023, had featured Dream11’s branding on the jerseys of both the men’s and women’s teams.
This development comes just days before the commencement of the T20 Asia Cup, marking a noteworthy shift in the sports sponsorship landscape amid the evolving online gaming regulations.
