Dream Sports, the parent of fantasy sports giant Dream11, has announced it will not legally challenge India’s newly enacted ban on real-money gaming a move that obliterated 95% of the company’s revenue and completely eliminated profits. Instead, CEO Harsh Jain says the firm will pivot to a bold new strategy dubbed “Dream11 3.0”.
A Knockout Blow, Not the End
Jain called the ban a “knockout punch” that hit Dream11 overnight. With revenue erased and profits disappeared, the firm is rebooting itself rather than fighting the law. “We’d rather build for the future than litigate the past,” he said .
Vision for Dream11 3.0
Dream11’s new roadmap shifts focus to free-to-play engagement, powered by advertising, sponsorships, AI innovations, and content-led fan experiences. The company plans to leverage its existing ecosystem FanCode, DreamSetGo, DreamCricket, and DreamMoney and take its model global with “Make-in-India” products.
Stability Amid Disruption
With a two-year cash runway intact, Dream Sports is committed to retaining all employees no layoffs will be made despite the devastating financial hit . The company’s 260 million registered users and 800-strong workforce (including 500 engineers) provide a solid foundation for its next chapter.
Broader Sector Turmoil
India’s real-money gaming ecosystem collapsed after Parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025, banning money-based games and related promotions. Platforms like Dream11, MPL, Zupee, and others have suspended operations, raising concerns over job losses, investor pullback, and disrupted sports endorsements .
Final Take
Dream11’s decision to accept the new regulatory reality and chart its own “3.0” future is a bold move rooted in resilience. Rather than fight behind outdated models, Dream Sports is opting for reinvention—an example of strategic adaptability in the face of sudden disruption.
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