India’s gaming ecosystem is reeling after the government enacted the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025—a sweeping law that bans all real-money gaming nationwide. The ripple effects are acute: Mobile Premier League (MPL), once a celebrated Indian gaming unicorn, has announced plans to lay off around 300 of its 500 India-based employees, slicing 60% of its local workforce. Insiders say the total layoffs might be even higher, approaching complete shutdowns for some divisions.
Why MPL Had to Act Fast
MPL’s drastic move comes after the ban severed access to its core business—real-money gaming accounts for nearly half of MPL’s revenue, about $100 million annually. The fantasy-gaming model, where users compete for monetary prizes on games like cricket, rummy, or poker, is now off-limits. CEO Sai Srinivas, in an internal mail to employees, expressed regret over the layoffs, committing to provide comprehensive support during this tough transition.
“We are committed to providing those impacted with every possible support during this transition period”.
MPL, which peaked at a reported valuation of $2.3 billion in 2021 and boasted over 120 million global users, is pivoting rapidly. Going forward, MPL will double down on its free-to-play model and international expansion, focusing on markets in the U.S., Europe, and Brazil.
Competitive Shake-Up: Dream11’s Pivot & Industry Trends
MPL isn’t the only casualty. Dream11—India’s biggest fantasy sports platform, valued at $8 billion—has also discontinued its paid fantasy cricket offering. Parent company Dream Sports is responding by launching new verticals such as Dream Money (a consumer finance app), DreamCricket, DreamSetGo, and FanCode. Dream Money, which crossed 50,000 downloads within days of its August update, is designed to help users invest in digital gold and fixed deposits, with tracking for mutual funds and stocks—a radical shift from game-based earnings.
Other platforms like PokerBaazi, Zupee, My11Circle, and GamesKraft have halted real-money operations, while A23 has attempted a legal challenge, marking an industry-wide scramble. Many are betting on ad-driven, free-to-play ecosystems or expanding into global markets for survival.
Read this: WinZO Enters US Market, Launches Short-Video Platform ‘Zo TV’ After Real-Money Gaming Ban in India
The Wider Impact
Prior to the crackdown, India’s online gaming sector attracted over $1 billion in investments between 2020–2022, with projections reaching $3.6 billion by 2029. Venture investors like Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia India) heavily backed the sector, sensing unstoppable growth. Now, these hopes are dashed as Parliament chose to prioritize consumer protection over industry momentum, citing addiction and financial risks—especially for young players.
For users, the ban means no more cash contests, only free games. Companies are scrambling to ensure wallet balances are withdrawable and to adapt their offerings to comply with new regulations. Esports, social games, and skill-based entertainment (minus the payout) are now positioned as the “future,” but the road ahead is uncertain.
Looking Forward: Reinvention and Resilience
In this new landscape, Indian gaming firms are reinventing themselves. MPL and Dream11 are focusing on free titles and global expansion. Dream Sports, through Dream Money and allied verticals, targets fintech and consumer service opportunities.
For hundreds of affected employees, sudden layoffs mean difficult transitions—but also a potential shift towards new roles as tech adapts and platforms diversify. The sector’s resilience will depend on creativity—whether in casual entertainment, sports content, fintech, or international play.
The story of MPL’s layoffs is a powerful symbol of disruption—regulation can upend entire industries overnight. As Indian gaming pivots, the coming years will be a test of innovation, grit, and adaptability in the face of transformative change.
