New Delhi, August 22 *— Leading real-money gaming* (RMG) companies in India, including Dream Sports (parent of Dream11), Gameskraft, Mobile Premier League (MPL), and Zupee, have begun suspending contests and paid games on their platforms. The move comes in response to the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, by Parliament earlier this week.

The Bill, aimed at regulating the country’s rapidly growing online gaming sector, places strict restrictions on real-money games while introducing a licensing framework for operators. It seeks to address concerns related to gambling, addiction, and financial risks, while promoting responsible gaming practices.

Industry sources said that the suspension of contests was initiated to ensure compliance with the new legislation and avoid potential penalties. Users on popular platforms like Dream11 and MPL reported that entry to cash-based tournaments had been temporarily blocked, with notifications informing them of the regulatory changes.

The Bill’s passage marks a significant shift for India’s multi-billion-dollar online gaming industry, which has attracted major investments in recent years. Experts suggest that companies may seek legal clarity and restructure their business models to align with the new framework.

While the legislation has been welcomed by some policymakers and advocacy groups for bringing accountability to the sector, industry representatives have expressed concerns about its potential impact on employment, innovation, and foreign investment in gaming startups.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is expected to release detailed guidelines in the coming weeks on how the Bill will be implemented.