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Discover how the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 has led Dream11 to terminate its ₹358-crore jersey sponsorship of BCCI—and how this could significantly dent cricket’s commercial earnings.
Online Gaming Bill 2025: What’s at Stake for BCCI After Dream11’s Exit?
Introduction
The Indian Parliament’s passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (formerly the bill) has upended the synergy between sports and fantasy gaming. As the legislation bans real-money gaming and prohibits related advertising and sponsorships, Dream11—a fantasy sports giant valued at $8 billion—was compelled to withdraw its ₹358-crore jersey sponsorship from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Wikipedia. The BCCI now faces an urgent revenue shortfall just weeks before the Asia Cup.
Dream11’s ₹358-Crore Sponsorship Withdrawal
Dream11’s three-year title sponsorship deal, signed in July 2023 for ₹358 crore (about USD 44 million), was set to run until 2026. However, with the real-money gaming ban in full effect, the platform informed the BCCI it could no longer sustain the partnership—leaving the board without a title sponsor just before the impending Asia Cup.
Despite the binding nature of the contract, exits are permitted if changes in law affect the core business—allowing Dream11 to withdraw without penalties.
How Much Revenue Is at Risk?
Direct Loss: ₹358 Crore from Dream11
BCCI’s immediate loss is the ₹358 crore (₹3.58 billion) Dream11 sponsorship package.
Broader Fantasy-Gaming Sponsorship Ecosystem
Industry insiders estimate that Dream11 and My11Circle collectively contribute around ₹1,000 crore annually to Indian cricket—Dream11 via Team India jerseys and My11Circle via IPL fantasy rights (₹125 crore per year).
Though My11Circle hasn’t yet confirmed withdrawal, the bill’s blanket ban on real-money gaming casts uncertainty over its involvement. If My11Circle follows suit, BCCI could see total fantasy-gaming revenue evaporate to the tune of ₹1,000 crore.
Wider Disruption: Cricket Advertising Sector
Beyond endorsements, bans on gaming ads may slash the broader sports advertising ecosystem—impacting not just BCCI but broadcasters and cricket media platforms.
Implications for BCCI and the Cricket Economy
- Urgent Sponsor Hunt Ahead of Asia Cup
With the Asia Cup starting September 9, BCCI is under the gun to secure a replacement sponsor swiftly. - “Jersey-Jinx” Concerns Recur
Experts warn of a recurring pattern of high-value front-of-shirt sponsors getting caught in legal or regulatory troubles soon after signing—Dream11 now joins the list alongside Sahara and Byju’s. - Long-Term Strategy Shift
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized the board’s commitment to adhering strictly to Indian laws, signaling a shift away from gaming-linked deals going forward. - Industry Pushback and Tax Implications
Gaming industry bodies warn the blanket ban could result in annual tax revenue losses of approximately ₹20,000 crore and push users toward unregulated offshore platforms.
The Online Gaming Act 2025 has triggered Dream11’s exit from its ₹358-crore sponsorship deal with the BCCI—a clear blow to cricket’s commercial earnings. Combined with potential fallout from My11Circle and the wider advertising ecosystem, total losses could reach ₹1,000 crore or more. The BCCI now must urgently pivot to alternative sponsorships while navigating new legal boundaries and balancing future commercial sustainability.
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