The Indian government’s recent Online Gaming Bill has passed through both houses of parliament, leading to potential restrictions on online money-making games. The bill targets the online gaming industry, prohibiting the provision of such services and imposing penalties. This has cast a shadow over popular fantasy gaming platforms like Dream11, which allows users to create virtual teams for real sports events and win prizes. Dream11’s involvement in Indian cricket includes a significant sponsorship deal with the BCCI, worth ₹358 crore, which grants them the title sponsorship and jersey branding rights for the Indian cricket team until 2026. The new legislation raises questions about the fate of this sponsorship agreement and the financial repercussions for the BCCI.
