India’s RMG Ban Triggers Sponsor Exodus in Cricket

With India’s new ban on real-money gaming (RMG) taking effect, major fantasy and betting sponsors are pulling out of cricket deals. The IPL, national teams, and leagues are scrambling to fill the commercial void amid soaring losses and shifting revenue models.

On 1 October 2025, India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 will formally outlaw all forms of real-money gaming, including fantasy sports, and ban their advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.

The impact is already visible across Indian cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that its lucrative ₹358 crore (approx. $44 million) jersey sponsorship deal with Dream11 was terminated, as the company can no longer legally serve as a sponsor under the new regulation.

To replace Dream11, India’s cricket board has secured a new lead sponsor: Apollo Tyres, under a deal lasting until March 2028. The switch underscores how swiftly India’s cricket finances must adapt — but many IPL and WPL franchises face even steeper challenges. Industry estimates suggest the combined hit to team sponsorships could exceed ₹150 crore annually.

Traditional fantasy operators are scrambling to pivot. Dream11 has announced a transition from paid contests to a free-to-play, ad-supported model, offering brand-backed prizes instead of cash to stay within legal constraints.

However, the road ahead is fraught. Analysts warn that many fans may turn to offshore platforms, using VPNs or proxy services to circumvent the ban — giving rise to an unregulated black market. In parallel, major RMG firms such as MPL have already announced downsizing, slashing workforce size in response to revenue collapse.

In effect, India’s bold RMG ban is reshaping the sponsorship landscape in cricket — and forcing an entire ecosystem to reinvent its commercial DNA.