Are Dream11, My11Circle and others flouting Haryana’s gambling ban? Fantasy giants continue while MPL pauses ops

Fantasy and opinion trading platforms have come under scrutiny in Haryana after the state, which borders Delhi NCR, enacted the Prevention of Public Gambling Act, 2025 (“Act”), replacing the 158-year-old gambling law. In response, platforms like Mobile Premier League (MPL) have restricted user access within the state.

But what does the new law entail, and how does it affect the gaming landscape in Haryana? Why has MPL halted operations while platforms like Dream11, My11Circle, MyTeam11, and Sportsbaazi continue to function?

The new law gives a broad definition of “bet,” including any agreement where someone wins or loses based on an uncertain result. This could apply to fantasy games, rummy, and opinion trading apps. Although it separates games of skill from games of chance, under the new law, the state government has the power to decide what counts as a game of skill. Without this decision, these activities could potentially be treated as illegal betting, as per the definition under the Act.

Section 2(g) of the Act defines a “game of skill” but further allows the state government to decide which games qualify. While not named directly, the definition of “bet” in the Haryana Act potentially covers opinion trading and fantasy platforms based on real-world outcomes.

Following the above interpretation of the law, MPL disabled its fantasy and opinion trading platform “Opinio” in Haryana. “MPL has stopped its sports engagement offerings in Haryana in light of the new law which prohibits prediction based games, which depend upon occurrence of events whose outcomes are unknown and cannot be influenced by the participants making said predictions,” said the company spokesperson in a response to Entrackr’s detailed questionnaire.

MPL’s voluntary suspension in the state raises an obvious question: why are platforms like Dream11, My11Circle, MyTeam11, and Sportsbaazi still operating in Haryana? 

There would appear to be a case for all these platforms to join MPL in suspending their fantasy sports offerings in Haryana. Vasundhara Shanker, Managing Partner at Verum Legal, told Entrackr, “Dream11 and other real-money gaming apps may challenge the law in court if it’s found to violate Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. But unless and until it is struck down by a court, the law remains fully enforceable. Interpretation of this law is the only factor to be considered to define what is banned and what isn't - under this law.”

She further advised that platforms “should apply for formal recognition under Sections 2(g) and 16 of the Act and be prepared with legal documentation to support their classification as games of skill.”

Dream11 and My11Circle declined to comment, while queries sent to MyTeam11, and Sportsbaazi remained unanswered at the time of publication. Their responses will be added if received.

Dream11, My11Circle, MyTeam11, and Sportsbaazi operate legally in most Indian states based on Supreme Court and High Court rulings that classify their format as a game of skill. However, gambling falls under the State List in the Constitution, allowing states to override such rulings with their own laws. For instance, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have banned all online gaming for stakes despite favorable court judgments. Haryana’s new law follows a similar approach: no game is exempt unless officially notified by the state.

“Supreme Court judgments are not a bulletproof shield if a state passes a specific and enforceable law,” said a senior legal analyst. “The law in Haryana is clear: operate without notification, and you’re vulnerable.”