My11Circle, a leading fantasy sports platform in India, is facing an uncertain future following the Lok Sabha’s passage of the Online Gaming Bill 2025. The bill’s provisions classify My11Circle, which involves users forming teams and wagering money, as an online money game, thus prohibiting its operation. This could lead to the shutdown of its core services.
The bill’s potential consequences are wide-ranging. Fantasy cricket games offering cash rewards are likely to be banned. High-profile endorsements featuring celebrities such as Sourav Ganguly may also be subject to legal examination.
Possible strategies for the platform include shifting to e-sports models that focus on leaderboards and recognition instead of financial incentives. Another approach is to advocate for fantasy sports to be reclassified as skill-based, non-gambling activities. Industry experts predict that platforms like My11Circle may pursue legal challenges, citing economic concerns and previous court decisions. However, without policy revisions, My11Circle may need to embrace subscription-based models or risk ceasing operations.
The Online Gaming Bill 2025, presented by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeks to promote online social games and esports. The bill bans all online money gaming, regardless of the role of skill or chance, while permitting subscription-based access to esports and social games. This legislation aims to address financial losses, addiction, and other issues, by prohibiting online betting and gambling, including fantasy sports, card games, and online lotteries. Furthermore, it restricts advertising for such games and prevents financial institutions from handling related transactions. Penalties for violations include imprisonment for up to three years and fines of up to Rs 1 crore, pending passage in both houses of Parliament.