Dream11 – India’s Fantasy Sports Platform
Dream11 serves as India’s fantasy sports application. Users construct virtual teams using real athletes from various competitions. Points accumulate based on athlete performance in matches, a concept that differs from betting and casino games through its emphasis on skill and knowledge.
History and Development of the Platform
Foundation and Early Growth
Founded in 2008 by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth in Mumbai, the company grew from a startup to achieve unicorn status in 2019. The founders launched freemium fantasy sports in 2012, which led to steady user growth over the following years. Cricket became the primary driver of this growth, especially during IPL seasons.
Milestones and Financial Evolution
The following table outlines the key milestones and investment history of Dream11:
| Year | Milestone | Users/Investment |
| 2008 | Company founded | – |
| 2012 | Fantasy sports launch | – |
| 2014 | First million users | 1 million |
| 2016 | Continued growth | 2 million |
| 2018 | Sports partnerships | 45 million |
| 2019 | Unicorn status, IPL partner | 100+ million |
| 2020 | IPL title sponsor | 222 crore bid |
| 2021 | Major funding round | $840 million |
| 2023 | Peak user base | 220 million |
| 2025 | Real-money ban | Operations suspended |
How Dream11 Works
Getting Started with the App
To begin participating in fantasy sports, users must first set up their account and understand the platform’s interface. Follow these steps to start playing:
- Download the app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Create your account using email or phone number verification.
- Select a cricket match from the list of available contests.
- Choose 11 players within the 100 credit budget allocation.
- Pick one captain who earns 2x points and one vice-captain who earns 1.5x points.
- Select at least one player from each team in the match.
- Join free contests since paid contests stopped in August 2025.
- Track your team’s performance during the live match through real-time updates.
- Earn points based on player statistics like runs, wickets, catches, and assists.
- Check final rankings after the match ends to see your position.
Creating a Team and Scoring
Strategic team creation is essential for success. Users must manage a 100-credit budget to select 11 players from two opposing teams.
- Team Composition: Users choose 1-4 wicketkeepers, 3-6 batsmen, 1-4 all-rounders, and 3-6 bowlers.
- Player Limits: A maximum of 7 players can be selected from a single real-world team.
- Captain Multipliers: The Captain earns 2x points, while the Vice-Captain earns 1.5x points.
- Scoring Mechanics: Points are awarded for specific actions, such as +1 per run, +25 per wicket, and +8 per catch in cricket.
| Sport | Action | Points |
| Cricket | Run | +1 |
| Cricket | Wicket | +25 |
| Cricket | Catch | +8 |
| Football | Goal | Variable |
| Football | Assist | Variable |
Contests and Sports Coverage
Types of Available Contests
Dream11 offers various formats to accommodate different levels of competition and user preferences. Since August 2025, the platform operates exclusively in free-to-play mode.
- Head-to-head: Formats that pit two users directly against each other.
- Small Leagues: Contests with a limited number of participants.
- Large Tournaments: Features thousands of users competing for top rankings.
- Special Events: Includes competitions like the Dream11 Super Smash T20.
Popular Sports on the Platform
While cricket is the main driver of engagement, the platform covers a wide range of athletic competitions.
- Cricket: Includes IPL and international matches.
- Football: Covers Indian Super League, Premier League, and Champions League.
- Kabaddi: Features Pro Kabaddi League contests.
- Basketball: Includes NBA and domestic league matches.
- Hockey: Offers contests during major tournaments and league seasons.
Legality and Regulation
Court Rulings and Skill Recognition
Before 2025, Indian courts consistently recognized Dream11 as a “game of skill.” These rulings differentiated fantasy sports from gambling because success depends on knowledge and statistical analysis.
| Court | Year | Ruling |
| Punjab & Haryana High Court | 2017 | Game of skill |
| Supreme Court | 2017 | Dismissed appeals |
| Bombay High Court | 2019 | Game of skill |
| Rajasthan High Court | 2020 | Dismissed ban petition |
The Online Gaming Act 2025
The legal landscape shifted significantly with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025. This law banned all online money games in India, regardless of whether they are skill-based or chance-based.
- Immediate Impact: Dream11 stopped all paid contests on August 22, 2025.
- Current Status: The app now offers only free-to-play contests for entertainment and skill development.
- Financial Restrictions: Banks are prohibited from processing transactions for banned games, and users can no longer deposit money.
- Penalties: Violations of the act carry penalties up to 1 crore and three years of imprisonment.
State-Level Restrictions
Prior to the national ban, several states had already implemented their own restrictions on fantasy sports.
- Telangana, Assam, and Odisha: Implemented bans or prohibited cash contests through various local acts.
- Andhra Pradesh: Banned operations in 2020 by amending its Gaming Act.
- Current Regional Bans: Restrictions continue to affect users in Assam, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, and Sikkim.
Platform Evaluation and Future Outlook
Pros and Cons
As of 2025, the platform presents a unique set of advantages and challenges for its massive user base.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| 200+ million users | Real-money games banned since August 2025 |
| Multiple sports options | Addiction risks for some players |
| Free contests available | Restricted in 6 states |
| Mobile app for Android and iOS | No live chat support |
| Partnerships with IPL and other leagues | High competition in contests |
Future Direction
Following the 2025 ban, Dream11 is shifting its focus toward AI-driven sports content and free-to-play engagement. While the company explores international expansion and esports diversification, it is also adapting through subsidiary brands like FanCode and DreamSetGo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I play Dream11 with real money now? No, money-based contests have been banned since August 2025.
- Is Dream11 legal in India? Yes, but currently only in free-to-play formats.
- What happens to money in Dream11 wallets? Users can withdraw existing funds, but no new deposits are permitted.
- Are there alternatives to Dream11? Competitors like MPL and My11Circle exist, but they face the same regulatory bans.