The Popular fantasy apps banned in 2025 have become a major headline in India’s online gaming and betting industry. With the introduction of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, the government drew a strict line between permitted skill-based games and prohibited chance-based betting. The aim is to protect users from gambling risks while cleaning up a fast-growing but often unregulated industry.
List of Popular fantasy apps banned in 2025
The government’s crackdown on betting and gambling apps in 2025 directly affected several well-known platforms. Turf Town’s report on illegal betting apps highlighted some of the most popular names that faced the ban. Below is a closer look at these platforms and why they were targeted.
Dream11
Dream11, India’s biggest name in fantasy sports, has hit an uncertain phase after the new online gaming bill. In a statement on its website, the company confirmed that all cash games and paid contests have been discontinued. While this news disappointed many fantasy cricket fans, Dream11 also left a hint of hope, asking its users to “stay tuned” for future updates. This suggests the platform might be exploring alternative formats to keep its massive community engaged.
MPL
Mobile Premier League (MPL), another giant in the fantasy and gaming world, has also suspended its real-money gaming services. Additionally, with real-money gaming off the table, MPL now plans to focus on free-to-play, non-monetary competitions, ensuring that its large community of gamers continues to have engaging experiences.
PokerBaazi
PokerBaazi, widely regarded as one of India’s most trusted poker platforms, also announced an immediate suspension of its real-money poker services. The decision came right after the Parliament passed the new Online Gaming Bill. For now, PokerBaazi players will have to wait for clarity on whether the platform can return in a new, regulated form.
Betway
Betway is one of the biggest global betting companies, offering sports betting, casinos, and esports. In India, it gained traction during cricket tournaments like the IPL, where users placed bets on match outcomes, runs, and player performances. Its wide international presence made it a favorite, but in India, it violated local gambling laws, leading to its ban under the new Act.
AndarBahar Poker
AndarBahar Poker combined two popular casino-style games, offering real-money tables where players could gamble online. These games are based on chance, not skill, which is why they fall under the prohibited category. Despite their popularity in underground circles, such apps are now banned due to their gambling nature.
MELBET
MELBET operated as an international betting service with options for sports, live casino, and slot games. In India, it attracted users by allowing bets on cricket, football, and even esports matches. Since MELBET ran without proper licensing and offered real-money gambling, it was blacklisted under the 2025 crackdown.
Zodiac Casino
Zodiac Casino offered online slot machines, roulette, and poker rooms. It presented itself as a digital casino, where players could deposit money and try their luck. Because casino games are entirely chance-based, Zodiac Casino fell directly under the banned category.
Onside Sports
Onside Sports positioned itself as a sports prediction and betting app. It allowed users to place bets on international football, basketball, and cricket events. While it framed its features as “predictions,” the underlying mechanics were still gambling-driven, which made it illegal in India after the new law.
Big Winner
Big Winner offered a variety of real-money betting games under one platform. From card games to slots, users could pick different categories to gamble. The app marketed itself as a “big win” platform, but it failed to comply with India’s gambling regulations, resulting in its ban.
1xBet
1xBet became one of the most widely used apps in India for betting on cricket and football. Its aggressive online marketing and sponsorships in global sports attracted a huge user base. However, since it promoted betting on chance-based events without regulation, it was banned under the 2025 law.
Fun88
Fun88 is a betting platform well known across Asia. It partnered with international sports teams and leagues, offering users opportunities to place bets on cricket, football, and casino games. In India, Fun88 operated without a license and violated gambling restrictions, leading to its ban.
Live Blackjack
Live Blackjack gave players the thrill of sitting across from real dealers in a virtual casino. It quickly became popular among users who enjoyed the interactive feel of the game. However, authorities in India banned the app because it promoted unauthorized gambling and failed to provide proper safeguards against compulsive play. Without responsible gaming measures in place, the risks of addiction and financial loss were too high, leading to its removal.
Bet365
Bet365 is one of the world’s biggest betting platforms, offering everything from sports betting to online casinos. Many Indian users turned to it during cricket and football seasons for quick wagers. But in India, where gambling remains illegal in most states, authorities did not permit Bet365’s operations. They eventually blocked the app because it did not align with the country’s gaming and betting regulations.
Dafabet
Dafabet built its reputation as a cricket-focused betting app, attracting fans who wanted to wager on their favorite teams and matches. Despite its global presence, Dafabet did not hold a proper license to operate in India. Concerns over user safety, financial risks, and lack of regulation led to its ban. Moreover, for cricket lovers in India, this marked the end of one of the most accessible international betting platforms.
Why These Apps Were Banned
All the above platforms have one thing in common: they encourage chance-based gambling for real money. The new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, clearly separates games of skill from games of chance. While skill-based games may be allowed with licensing, chance-based gambling apps are now completely illegal.
In summary, popular fantasy apps banned in 2025 include big names like Betway, 1xBet, MELBET, and Fun88. These apps, once widely used, are now illegal under India’s new Online Gaming Act.
