Fantasy sports have seen a rapid rise in India, and Dream11 continues to lead the way, especially during IPL 2025. Millions of fans are building teams and competing for real rewards. However, not every state allows full access to the platform.
While Dream11 is legal in most parts of India, a few states have completely banned it due to local gaming laws. And now, Tamil Nadu has officially enforced time-based restrictions, after the Madras High Court upheld the night ban on real-money gaming in June 2025. This means players in Tamil Nadu cannot use Dream11 between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM, and must complete Aadhaar-based KYC to play.
In this blog, we break down which Indian states have banned or restricted Dream11 in 2025, the reasons behind these actions, and what it means for users this season.
Dream11 Banned States In 2025
Before delving into the specifics, let’s take a look at the current status of Dream11 across various Indian states:
| State | Status |
|---|---|
| Assam | Banned |
| Odisha | Banned |
| Andhra Pradesh | Banned |
| Telangana | Banned |
| Nagaland | Restricted |
| Sikkim | Restricted |
| Tamil Nadu | Regulated (Not Allowed between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM) |
Now, let’s examine each of these states and the laws that have led to the banning or restriction of Dream11:
1. Assam
Assam has taken a firm stance against all forms of betting and wagering on games or sports, with the exception of horse racing and lotteries. The Assam Game and Betting Act of 1970 governs gambling activities in the state. This act is an extension of the 1867 Public Gambling Act but does not include the crucial amendment that exempts games of skill.
As a result, Assam’s laws make no distinction between games of chance and games of skill. This broad interpretation effectively bans all online fantasy sports platforms, including Dream11, regardless of the skill element involved.
2. Odisha
Odisha has implemented a complete ban on all online gambling games through the Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act of 1955. This legislation takes a broad view of gambling, encompassing any game played for money or other stakes, including betting and wagering.
The act defines gambling as any activity where a person intentionally risks money or valuables on the outcome of a game or event, regardless of whether skill is involved. This definition is broad enough to include fantasy sports platforms like Dream11, despite arguments that these games involve significant skill and knowledge.
Interestingly, while the act bans most forms of gambling, it explicitly excludes lotteries from this definition. This highlights the complex and sometimes inconsistent nature of gambling laws across different Indian states.
3. Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh has taken a strong stance against online gambling and betting activities, including fantasy sports platforms like Dream11. The state’s approach is rooted in the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act of 1974, which was recently amended to address the rise of online gaming and betting platforms.
In 2020, the government of Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy introduced the Andhra Pradesh Gaming (Amendment) Ordinance. This amendment significantly broadened the scope of prohibited activities, banning any act of risking money or playing for stakes on the outcome of a game or event, regardless of whether it involves skill.
4. Telangana
Telangana was one of the first states to take action against online gaming platforms, including fantasy sports. In 2017, the state cabinet approved an ordinance modifying the Telangana Gaming Act of 1974 to prohibit online gaming.
The Telangana government’s decision was motivated by concerns about the addictive nature of online gaming and its potential negative impacts on society, particularly on young people. As a result, Dream11 and other similar platforms are not permitted to operate in Telangana.
5. Nagaland
Nagaland presents a unique case in the landscape of online gaming regulations in India. The state has recognized the category of skill-based online games through the Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling and Promotion and Regulation of Online Games of Skill Act, 2015. This act acknowledges that certain online games primarily involve skill rather than chance.
However, despite this recognition, the act imposes several requirements and regulations that make it challenging for online gaming companies to operate in the state. For instance, the act requires entities offering such games to obtain a license from the issuing authority. The licensing process involves substantial fees and compliance requirements, including strict KYC guidelines and banking regulations.
While Dream11 is not explicitly banned in Nagaland, these stringent regulations and high operational costs have deterred the company from actively pursuing operations in the state. As a result, while not technically banned, Dream11 has chosen not to operate in Nagaland due to the regulatory environment.
6. Sikkim
Sikkim has taken a unique approach to regulating online gaming. The state requires platforms offering online gaming to obtain licenses. However, these licenses come with specific conditions that effectively limit the operation of most online gaming platforms, including Dream11.
The key restriction is that licensed games can only be played from within Sikkim state boundaries and must be accessed through designated gaming cafes within the state using intranet gaming terminals. This requirement essentially excludes any platform that wishes to operate from outside Sikkim or offer its services to users across India.
While not an outright ban, these regulations make it impractical for Dream11 and similar platforms to operate in Sikkim under their usual business model. As a result, Dream11’s services are effectively restricted in the state.
7. Tamil Nadu
Dream11 is legal in Tamil Nadu, but the state has specific rules in place under its online gaming law. Real money gaming is not allowed between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM, and all users must complete Aadhaar-based KYC to play. These rules were upheld by the Madras High Court in June 2025, making them fully enforceable. Players must also follow any set limits on playing time and spending, as directed by the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority.
Why Is Dream11 Banned In Some States?
The banning or restriction of Dream11 in certain states stems from various factors:
- Interpretation of gambling laws: Many states have laws that prohibit gambling activities. The debate often centers on whether fantasy sports like Dream11 constitute gambling or games of skill.
- Concerns about addiction: Some state governments worry that easy access to online betting platforms could lead to addiction, especially among younger users.
- Economic concerns: There are apprehensions about money leaving the state economy through online platforms.
- Lack of regulatory framework: The absence of a clear national policy on fantasy sports has led some states to err on the side of caution and impose bans.
- Cultural and social factors: In some regions, there’s a strong cultural aversion to gambling-like activities, influencing policy decisions.
Can You Still Use Dream11 in Banned States?
If you’re in a state where Dream11 is banned, you can still download the app and open it. But there’s a catch. You’ll only be able to join free contests. That means you can play for fun, but not for money. All the paid contests and money-related stuff will be blocked.
Dream11 uses your location to make sure you’re following the rules. So, trying to get around those restrictions (like using a VPN) isn’t a good idea. It could get your account suspended or even cause legal trouble.
Best to play it safe and stick to the free games if you’re in one of those restricted states.
Where Is Dream11 Legal in India?
Dream11 works legally in most Indian states, including:
- Maharashtra
- Delhi
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu (Legal But Regulated, needs KYC)
- West Bengal
- Uttar Pradesh
- Punjab
These states see fantasy sports as games of skill, so users can join paid contests freely. However, rules can change, so it’s good to stay alert.
Is Dream11 Gambling?
The question of whether Dream11 constitutes gambling is at the heart of the legal debates surrounding the platform. Dream11 and other fantasy sports platforms argue that they are games of skill, not chance, and therefore should not be classified as gambling.
Several factors support the “game of skill” argument:
- Knowledge and research: Success in fantasy sports requires in-depth knowledge of players, teams, and sports statistics.
- Strategic decision-making: Users must make informed decisions about team selection within budget constraints.
- Long-term performance: Consistently successful players demonstrate that skill plays a significant role.
- Legal precedents: Several high courts in India have ruled in favor of Dream11, classifying it as a game of skill.
However, critics argue that the unpredictable nature of real-world sports events introduces a significant element of chance, making fantasy sports more akin to gambling.
Several courts, including the Supreme Court of India, have upheld the legal status of Dream11 as a game of skill. However, as we’ve seen, individual states have the authority to regulate or ban such activities within their borders, leading to the current patchwork of regulations across the country.
Also Read:
Conclusion: Dream11 Banned in 4 States, Restricted in 2 (as of 2025)
Dream11 is one of the most popular fantasy sports apps in India. However, whether you can use it depends on the laws in your state.
In some states like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, and Telangana, Dream11 is banned. This means users living in these states can’t join paid contests or withdraw money from the app.
There are also a few regulated states where special rules apply:
- Sikkim and Nagaland: Dream11 doesn’t operate here due to local licensing rules.
- Tamil Nadu: Dream11 is legal, but you can’t access it between 12 AM and 5 AM. Also, users must complete Aadhaar-based KYC to play.
For people in other states, Dream11 works normally. But gaming laws can change anytime, so it’s always best to check the latest updates before playing.
