The Mobile Premier League (MPL), known for its wide range of skill-based games and fantasy sports, now faces an uncertain future under the Online Gaming Bill 2025.
The Bill imposes a blanket ban on online games involving monetary stakes, including card games, fantasy leagues, and betting platforms. Since MPL users often pay entry fees to participate in cash-reward contests, the platform falls under “online money gaming,” making it a direct target of the prohibition.
What the Bill Says
The Bill bans all real-money gaming. Since MPL has multiple cash-based contests, the legislation could cover most of its offerings.
Impact on MPL
Fantasy sports may face a ban under the same provisions affecting Dream11.
Arcade-style games may survive only if they remove cash rewards and transition to subscription-based models.
Revenue streams could be drastically reduced unless MPL pivots to e-sports and social gaming.
However, MPL also hosts esports tournaments and casual games that do not involve real-money betting. These may continue under the Bill, provided the company repositions itself away from financial wagering.
The coming months will be crucial as MPL evaluates whether to revamp its business model or face potential shutdowns.
What Is Online Gaming Bill 2025?
On August 20th, 2025, the Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw tabled the Online Gaming Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, even as the Opposition continued its protests. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was passed by voice vote. Outlining the objectives of the bill, the Union Minister said that the government aims to promote online social games and esports.
The bill prohibits all forms of online money gaming, regardless of whether it is based on skill, chance, or a combination of both. However, esports and social games are allowed with subscription-based access. The legislation, introduced earlier in the day, was cleared after the Cabinet approved it.
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 prohibits online games that involve monetary stakes, due to concerns such as financial losses, addiction, etc. It imposes a blanket ban on all forms of online betting and gambling. This includes: Fantasy sports, Card games such as poker and rummy, Online lotteries.
Additionally, it also restricts advertisements promoting such games. Banks and financial institutions are barred from processing or facilitating transactions related to these games.
Violators may face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, once the bill is passed in both the Houses of Parliament.
