The Online Gaming Bill 2025, approved by the Lok Sabha, poses a serious challenge to My11Circle, a popular fantasy sports platform in India. The bill’s provisions categorize My11Circle, which relies on users forming teams and wagering money, as an online money game, which is now prohibited. This could jeopardize the platform’s core functions.
The bill’s implications are far-reaching. Fantasy cricket games with cash prizes are likely to be banned. Furthermore, high-profile promotional activities involving celebrities such as Sourav Ganguly may come under legal scrutiny.
To adapt, My11Circle might explore alternative solutions, such as switching to e-sports-style contests where leaderboards and achievements replace monetary rewards. Another potential strategy is to lobby for fantasy sports to be recognized as skill-based activities, not gambling. Industry experts suggest that My11Circle could legally contest the bill, citing its potential economic effects and previous judicial decisions. However, unless the law changes, My11Circle may have to explore subscription models without financial rewards or risk shutting down.
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 was presented by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The bill’s goals include promoting online social games and esports. It bans all forms of online money gaming, irrespective of skill or chance, while allowing esports and social games via subscriptions. The aim is to tackle financial risks and addiction by prohibiting online betting and gambling, including fantasy sports, card games, and online lotteries. The bill also restricts advertisements for such games and prevents financial institutions from processing related transactions. Violators could face up to three years in prison or fines of up to Rs 1 crore once the bill is approved by both houses of Parliament.