News Summary

Several prominent Indian startups in the real-money gaming sector, including Dream Sports and Mobile Premier League (MPL), are shutting down operations following the passage of the Online Gaming Bill, 2025, by India’s Parliament. The bill, which bans real-money games, aims to promote casual online games and esports. Dream Sports, backed by investors like Tiger Global and Multiples, has already closed its quick-play fantasy gaming app, Dream Picks, and plans to shut down its other real-money gaming ventures. Similarly, MPL, supported by Peak XV and Times Internet, has suspended all real-money games. Other startups such as Zupee, Probo, and Gameskraft have also ceased their real-money gaming operations. The legislation is likely to impact the estimated $23 billion real-money gaming industry in India, which contributes significantly to the economy and has a projected compound annual growth rate of 28% by 2028.