First FIR under revised law
- Haryana’s new Prevention of Public Gambling Act, 2025 now includes fantasy sports and opinion trading under its ambit, unless explicitly declared “games of skill” by the state
- The first FIR has been registered against Sportasy (operated by Blossomfield Gamingzone Pvt Ltd) following a complaint by a resident of Naharpur
Nature of the allegations
- The FIR (No. 0155) alleges that Sportasy facilitates real-money betting disguised as fantasy gaming, with insufficient age verification, potentially harming minors
Broader implications for operators
- Platforms like Dream11, My11Circle, SportsBaazi, and MyTeam11, still active in Haryana, may now fall under similar scrutiny and risk legal action unless state-issued recognition is obtained
Sector-wide turbulence
- MPL has proactively halted its fantasy and opinion-based offerings in Haryana following the law
- Opinion-trading platforms like Probo have faced asset freezes (~₹100 crore) and legal pushback at the Punjab & Haryana High Court
Law’s sweeping provisions
- The Act defines a bet as any stake on an uncertain outcome, whether oral or written. Match-fixing and spot-fixing are punishable with 3–5 years imprisonment (up to 7 years for repeat offences), plus hefty fines
- Though “games of skill” are exempt, no fantasy or opinion-trading platforms have yet received formal clarity or registration, creating an uncertain legal environment
Industry and investor concern
- Experts warn that ambiguity around what qualifies as skill-based gaming could stifle innovation, push firms to relocate, disrupt jobs, and impact the broader digital economy