Which States Have Banned Fantasy Gaming in India? (2025 Update)
Introduction
The fantasy gaming industry in India has grown rapidly in recent years, led by platforms like Dream11, MPL, My11Circle, and Gamezy. However, not every state has welcomed real-money fantasy sports. Several state governments have banned or restricted online fantasy gaming due to concerns about gambling, addiction, and financial risks.
Here’s a detailed look at which states have banned fantasy gaming in India (as of 2025) and what it means for players and operators.
Why Do Some States Ban Fantasy Gaming?
The main reasons states impose bans include:
1. Rising addiction and financial losses among youth.
2. Lack of clarity on whether fantasy gaming is a game of skill or chance.
3. Concerns over illegal betting and gambling links
4. Growing legal disputes between operators and regulators.
States That Have Banned Fantasy Gaming
1. Andhra Pradesh
- One of the first states to impose a complete ban on online fantasy sports and real-money games in 2020.
- Law prohibits both playing and promoting such games.
2. Telangana
- Has strict laws against online gambling and fantasy sports.
- Fantasy cricket apps like Dream11 and MPL are not allowed.
3. Tamil Nadu
- Initially banned fantasy gaming in 2021.
- The ban was struck down by the Madras High Court, but a revised law in 2022 again prohibited real-money gaming.
4. Kerala
- In 2021, Kerala government banned online rummy and similar real-money games.
- Fantasy cricket also falls into a grey legal area, with restrictions on cash contests.
5. Assam
- Fantasy gaming platforms are not allowed to operate due to the state’s gambling laws.
- Many apps block users from Assam during sign-up.
6. Odisha
- Has stringent anti-gambling laws.
- Fantasy gaming apps avoid operating here due to legal risks.
7. Nagaland (Special Case)
- The Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling and Promotion of Online Games of Skill Act allows licensed games of skill.
- However, many operators do not apply for licenses due to high compliance costs.
Legal Grey Areas in Other States
While some states have clear bans, others operate in grey zones. Courts in states like Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Delhi have ruled that fantasy sports are games of skill, which means they are legal. However, new state-level amendments could change this in the future.
Impact of the Online Gaming Bill 2025
The central ban on real-money gaming through the Online Gaming Bill 2025 has created uniform restrictions across India. Even in states where fantasy sports were legal earlier, paid contests are now prohibited nationwide.
This means fantasy gaming is largely restricted to free-to-play models, while states with prior bans continue to enforce stricter rules.
Final Thoughts
Fantasy gaming in India is facing tough legal challenges. States like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Odisha have long banned these platforms, and with the new Online Gaming Bill 2025, the restrictions are now much broader.
For players, this means sticking to free versions of fantasy cricket or exploring esports and casual gaming. For operators, the challenge lies in compliance and innovation to survive in a rapidly changing market.
To fully understand the future of this industry, explore our analysis on the future of online gaming in India 2025. For a financial perspective, see how Indians lose ₹20,000 crore annually on real-money gaming. And for policy insights, read our full Online Gaming Bill 2025 Guide.
❓ FAQs
No. Dream11 is banned in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Odisha.
Due to concerns over gambling, addiction, and money loss among users.
No, users from banned states cannot join paid contests on apps like Dream11, MPL, or My11Circle.
It depends on legal reforms and court judgments. Some states may allow regulated play in the future.
Users can try free-to-play versions, esports, and skill-based games that do not involve real money.