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The Online Gaming Bill 2025 has now been passed in the Rajya Sabha after getting approval in the Lok Sabha. This new law has created a wave of panic in the online gaming industry especially among companies running real-money games. One of the biggest players in the sector Dream11 is reportedly preparing to shut down its real-money gaming business. According to sources quoted by Business Today Dream11 has decided to close this part of its operations because the new bill puts a legal ban on paid online games. This move is expected to impact more than 280 million registered users of the platform leaving a huge number of gamers disappointed and concerned about the future of their favorite games. Dream11 facing major setback Dream11 India’s biggest fantasy gaming platform is now facing a major setback after the Online Gaming Bill 2025 cleared both houses of Parliament. The platform launched in 2008 by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth grew rapidly to a massive base of over 280 million users making it the country’s top fantasy sports app. In FY24 alone Dream11 generated nearly Rs. 9600 crore in revenue with about 90 per cent of its earnings coming from real-money contests most of which were cricket-related. Following the bill’s approval CEO Harsh Jain shared an internal note with employees of the real-money gaming division stating that there is “no way to continue paid games” under the new law. Sources told Business Today that the company has informed both permanent and contract-based employees in the affected units about the upcoming shutdown and organizational changes. Dream11’s growth Dream11’s growth story has been nothing short of phenomenal. Since its launch the company’s valuation skyrocketed to USD 8 billion by 2021 backed by global investors like Tiger Global ChrysCapital Multiples and TCV. However despite reports of shutting down its real-money gaming unit the company has not yet made any official announcement. For now Dream11 has maintained that its app continues to operate. Why the gaming industry is worried The Online Gaming Bill 2025 recently passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha has sent shockwaves through the online gaming sector. Shares of many gaming companies have been falling steadily ever since the bill was passed. The bill places a complete ban on real-money-based fantasy sports poker and rummy. Only e-sports and social gaming are allowed under the new framework. Companies violating these rules could face up to three years in jail or fines of up to Rs. 1 crore.