Dream-11 launches gaming platform in 11 countries:Company offering games without money here; impact of ban on money-based gaming

India’s largest fantasy sports company, Dream11, has simultaneously launched its platform in 11 countries. These countries include large markets such as the USA, United Kingdom, Australia, and UAE. Dream11 has taken this step after its main business model was hit by changes in online gaming laws in India. In fact, the Indian government had recently banned online money-based gaming by introducing a new law. Due to the new law, Dream11’s earnings have decreased by 95 percent. Model Changed After Ban on Money-Based Gaming Following the new laws, Dream11 has adopted a free-to-play (game without money) model. The revenue basis for this model is now advertising and sponsorships. Other countries where Dream11 has launched its platform include New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Nepal, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. The most important thing is that the company will not offer real-money games in these new markets, meaning the focus on earnings will remain on advertisements here as well. Online money-based gaming was banned in August On August 22, the Online Gaming Bill 2025 received presidential assent. After this, it became law. On August 21, 2025, the Rajya Sabha, and a day before that, the Lok Sabha, approved the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025. This bill was introduced by the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw. 4 strict rules in the online gaming law This law states that whether these games are skill-based or chance-based, both are prohibited. Money-based gaming was causing financial loss The government stated that money-based online gaming was causing mental and financial harm to people. Some people became so addicted to gaming that they lost their life savings, and in some cases, reports of suicide also emerged. It was estimated that around 450 million people were affected by it, and middle-class families suffered a loss of 20,000 crore rupees. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized it as a gaming disorder.