Dream11-linked FIFS says it won't contest India's online gaming law that bans real-money games

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The Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), an industry body that counts fantasy sports major Dream11 as its founding member, announced on September 9 that it will not challenge provisions of India’s Online Gaming Act.

The industry body, which represents the fantasy sports sector, said it has communicated this decision to its members.

"As a law-abiding federation, we are committed to growing the online gaming ecosystem in compliance with the Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025," it said in a statement.

"As announced to all members, FIFS is not challenging the provisions of the act. It is committed to adopting a collaborative approach with the government and regulators to ensure the growth of the fantasy sports sector in India," the statement added.

Sources told Moneycontrol that any member contesting the legislation will no longer be associated with the industry body.

Last week, Clubboom11 Sports & Entertainment, which operates the online fantasy sports platform Boom11, had filed a petition in the Madhya Pradesh High Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.

In its petition, the company had stated that it is a member of FIFS. However, sources told Moneycontrol that it was clarified in the court that FIFS was not a party to the case.

On September 8, the Supreme Court transferred all petitions contesting the new legislation from multiple high courts to itself, following Centre's plea. Other petitioners include Head Digital Works, which operates the online rummy platform A23 Rummy and online carrom platform Bagheera Carrom.

This development comes a fortnight after Dream Sports co-founder Harsh Jain told Moneycontrol in an interview that the company won't challenge the government's real-money gaming ban. Dream Sports is the parent company of fantasy sports major Dream11.

Real-money gaming companies Gameskraft, Zupee, Mobile Premier League (MPL), and Pokerbaazi parent firm Moonshine Technology also subsequently announced that they have decided not to challenge the law.

MPL has also advised the industry body All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), of which it is a member, not to pursue a legal challenge and instead focus on free-to-play games, Moneycontrol reported on August 28.

India's new online gaming legislation prohibits online money games, where a user makes a deposit, directly or indirectly, with the expectation of earning winnings on that deposit.

After Parliament gave its nod to the bill on August 22, RMG companies had suspended contests and games involving money on their platforms, though they continue to offer free-to-play options. The law has also led to companies such as MPL, Pokerbaazi parent firm, Head Digital Works, and Games24x7 significantly reducing their workforce.