In August 2025, India’s online gaming industry faced major disruption when the government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, banning all real money earning games nationwide. The move affected millions of players, thousands of employees, and billions in market value.
For years, platforms like Dream11 and MPL had dominated with fantasy cricket, rummy, poker, and other contests, attracting over 300 million active users and making India a global hub for real money earning games. But the new law caused the industry to collapse almost overnight.
Amid this turmoil, Vijaybet remained active. Unlike most platforms, it does not depend on cash stakes or payouts, keeping it outside the banned category. This unique position makes Vijaybet one of the few platforms still available to Indian players.
India’s 2025 Gaming Ban and Its Background
Why the Law Was Passed
The Indian government argued that real money earning games were causing significant social and economic problems. While fantasy sports companies had long claimed their offerings were “games of skill,” lawmakers decided to treat all cash-based games the same way. The key reasons included:
- Rising reports of gambling addiction, especially among youth.
- Financial distress caused by repeated losses.
- Lack of consistent regulation across states.
By categorizing both skill-based and chance-based games under the same legal umbrella, the government eliminated the grey area that had allowed fantasy sports to flourish.
The Impact on the Market
The consequences were immediate:
- A market once valued at $2.3 billion collapsed.
- 300 million players lost access to real money contests.
- Investors and venture capital firms saw billions of rupees in value erased.
- Tax revenues from the sector dried up almost instantly.
This was more than just a business setback—it was a cultural and economic turning point for India’s online gaming industry.
The Collapse of Major Platforms
Dream11
As the leader in fantasy cricket, Dream11 was hit the hardest. The platform relied on real money contests for more than 95% of its revenue. After the ban, Dream11 suspended paid leagues, allowing only free contests to continue. Almost overnight, it lost its dominant position.
MPL (Mobile Premier League)
MPL had built a massive portfolio of real money earning games, from arcade-style competitions to fantasy sports. Following the ban, it laid off nearly 60% of its workforce in India. Its diversification into esports and free games softened the blow, but revenue losses were unavoidable.
PokerBaazi, Zupee, and Others
Card game specialists like PokerBaazi and casual platforms like Zupee also shut down their paid games. Users could only withdraw wallet balances, with no option to add funds or play for money.
The common story across all these companies was the same: real money earning games were no longer legal, and the industry shrank dramatically.
Why Vijaybet Has Not Been Banned
In contrast to these giants, Vijaybet remains operational. The reason is simple:
- No cash betting: Vijaybet does not involve money deposits or withdrawals linked to gameplay.
- Entertainment-driven: It offers prediction-based and free-to-play models instead of real money contests.
- Legal compliance: Since it does not fit the definition of real money earning games, it has not been targeted by the ban.
This clear distinction makes Vijaybet a rare option for players looking to stay engaged with cricket-themed interactive experiences.
The Value of Vijaybet for Indian Players
For players who were once loyal to fantasy cricket and other cash-based games, Vijaybet provides several important benefits:
- Cricket Engagement Without Risk
Fans can still enjoy making predictions and engaging with live matches without the fear of losing money. - Accessible to Everyone
With no deposits required, more casual users can participate without worrying about financial barriers. - Community and Interaction
Vijaybet maintains the spirit of competition and social interaction, something Indian players valued in fantasy leagues. - Legal Peace of Mind
Since it does not fall under the real money earning games ban, players can use Vijaybet safely and confidently.
Challenges and Future Directions for Vijaybet
While Vijaybet has avoided the ban, its journey is not without obstacles.
Compliance Risks
If Vijaybet were ever to add real money features, it would instantly fall under the prohibited category. Maintaining a free and legal structure is essential for its survival.
New Business Models
To sustain itself without cash contests, Vijaybet will need to innovate:
- Advertising and brand partnerships could bring in revenue.
- Membership models could offer premium experiences.
- Non-cash reward systems like points redeemable for merchandise or vouchers could keep players motivated.
Becoming a Post-Ban Example
If successful, Vijaybet could emerge as a model for how gaming platforms can thrive in India’s post–real money earning games era.
Broader Industry Trends After the Ban
India’s gaming landscape is not isolated. Globally, different countries treat real money earning games differently:
- United States: Fantasy sports remain legal in many states but face regulation.
- Europe: Online gambling is widely allowed but heavily licensed.
- China: Online betting is strictly prohibited.
India’s decision to enforce a nationwide ban aligns more closely with restrictive markets, creating both challenges and opportunities for innovation in non-monetary gaming models.
How Players Are Adapting
For Indian players, the ban has forced a shift in perspective. Many are moving away from “playing to win money” and focusing instead on entertainment, social interaction, and skill-building. Platforms like Vijaybet benefit from this trend by positioning themselves as safe and fun rather than purely competitive.
Some users have also turned to international survey platforms, reward apps, or esports tournaments as alternatives. However, these do not fully replace the cultural role that fantasy cricket once played.
Beyond Real Money Games with Vijaybet
With India’s nationwide ban on real money earning games, the gaming industry has shifted dramatically. While platforms like Dream11 and MPL have suspended paid contests, Vijaybet continues to operate legally by focusing on free, interactive, and prediction-based formats. It may not offer cash rewards, but it provides safe entertainment and community engagement. For Indian players, Vijaybet represents a reliable option in the post–real money earning games era.
