Dream11, India’s leading fantasy sports platform, has taken the country by storm, allowing millions of sports enthusiasts to engage with their favorite games in an exciting new way. As a game of skill, Dream11 operates legally in most Indian states.
However, the legal landscape surrounding fantasy sports in India is complex and varies from state to state. Some states have imposed outright bans on Dream11, while others have placed restrictions on its usage.
In this article, we’ll explore which states have banned or restricted Dream11, examine the reasons behind these decisions, and discuss the implications for users in these regions.
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 |
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.
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 Access Dream11 In Banned States?
In banned states, users can still download and access the Dream11 app. They can participate in free contests, allowing them to enjoy some aspects of fantasy sports without financial stakes. However, paid contests and financial transactions are prohibited.
Dream11 uses geo-restriction technology to enforce these limitations. Attempting to bypass these restrictions is not advisable and could lead to account suspension or legal issues.
Also, note that attempting to circumvent these restrictions (for example, by using VPNs) is not advisable. Such actions could violate Dream11’s terms of service and potentially lead to account suspension or other consequences.
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.
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Conclusion: Dream11 Is Banned In 6 States In India
The legal status of Dream11 across India reflects the complex and evolving nature of online gaming regulations in the country. While some states have embraced fantasy sports as legitimate games of skill, others have taken a more cautious approach, implementing bans or restrictions.
For users, this means that the ability to participate in Dream11 contests depends heavily on their location. It’s crucial for players to be aware of and respect the legal status of fantasy sports in their state to avoid potential legal issues.