My11Circle, one of India’s leading fantasy sports platforms, also faces a cloud of uncertainty after the Lok Sabha passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025 by voice vote.
Since My11Circle is based on users forming teams and wagering money for potential rewards, it is classified as an online money game – which the Bill prohibits. This puts its core operations at risk.
Effect of the Bill
- Fantasy cricket with cash rewards will likely be banned.
- High-profile campaigns with celebrities like Sourav Ganguly may face legal scrutiny.
Possible Solutions
- Transition to e-sports-style competitions where leaderboards and recognition replace monetary winnings.
- Lobby for fantasy sports to be reclassified as a skill-based, non-gambling activity.
Industry insiders suggest that platforms like My11Circle may challenge the Bill legally, citing its potential economic impact and previous court rulings that upheld fantasy sports as games of skill. However, unless the law changes, My11Circle will need to consider non-monetary subscription models or risk a complete shutdown.
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.
