Date: March 23, 2026
Category: Regulation & Market Dynamics
Summary:
Following the enactment of India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which prohibits all forms of real-money online games, operators are assessing new formats to remain active in the country’s digital entertainment sector. Major players like Dream11 and MPL have announced pivots to free-to-play and subscription-driven models. The legislation explicitly recognizes esports as a competitive, skill-based contest, exempting it from the prohibition on money games. This has opened opportunities for gaming companies to transition toward esports tournaments and infrastructure. Meanwhile, industry experts warn that the ban may lead to a surge in offshore betting apps targeting Indian users, raising concerns about fraud and unregulated gambling .
