Dream11 CEO Harsh Jain Says No Legal Challenge to RMG Ban Amid New Online Gaming Laws
As India’s real-money gaming (RMG) sector grapples with the fallout from the Centre’s sweeping new online gaming regulations, Dream11 cofounder and CEO Harsh Jain has made it clear that the company will not challenge the constitutional validity of the newly implemented laws.
In a recent interview with Storyboard18, Jain confirmed that Dream11, India’s largest fantasy sports platform, has already complied with the new regulations — even before the official ban was signed into law. “When our business model was constitutionally protected, we ran it. Now that the law has changed, we’ve complied immediately,” said Jain. “And I can say clearly – Dream11 will not challenge this law in court.”
Dream11 Takes a Compliant Stand Amid Industry Turmoil
The Indian RMG space, once thriving with countless startups and users, has taken a massive hit due to the new federal ban on real-money online gaming. Several companies have either halted operations or are in the process of shutting down. Dream11’s decision to respect and comply with the law, rather than legally challenge it, is a significant move in contrast to other players in the sector that are reportedly considering litigation.
While Jain refrained from directly criticizing the central government’s decision, he did express a preference for regulation over prohibition. Citing Tamil Nadu’s gaming law as a potential model, he highlighted the effectiveness of provisions such as KYC norms, player limits, and time thresholds.
According to Jain, these measures could have addressed key concerns related to addiction, misuse, and taxation, while keeping the black market at bay and maintaining government tax revenues.
A Missed Opportunity for Regulated Growth?
The fantasy sports industry in India has long argued that it operates under a skill-based model and not a gambling framework. Platforms like Dream11, MPL, and others have operated within the boundaries defined by earlier Supreme Court rulings, which upheld fantasy sports as a game of skill.
However, the new rules introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) aim to regulate online gaming more stringently, especially games involving real-money transactions. The law effectively criminalizes real-money play, shutting down a segment that contributed significantly to India’s digital economy and startup landscape.
Harsh Jain’s remarks subtly underscore the industry’s sentiment — that regulatory oversight could have been a better alternative to an outright ban. By referencing Tamil Nadu’s progressive stance, he implies that a balanced policy framework could have preserved innovation, safeguarded users, and supported economic growth.
What Lies Ahead for Dream11 and the Gaming Sector?
With its massive user base and market dominance, Dream11 appears to be pivoting its strategy in response to the new legal environment. While many RMG platforms face an uncertain future, Dream11’s decision to comply without contesting the law positions it as a law-abiding market leader prepared to evolve with changing regulations.
As the industry awaits further clarity and potential state-level policy adjustments, Dream11’s stance could set a precedent for how other major players navigate this challenging phase.
Keywords: Dream11 RMG ban, Harsh Jain Dream11, online gaming law India 2025, Dream11 legal stance, Indian gaming regulation, fantasy sports news, MeitY gaming rules, Tamil Nadu gaming law, real-money gaming India, RMG compliance Dream11
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