Dream11 is one of the most popular fantasy sports gaming sites in India, allowing its users to express their sports knowledge by creating a fantasy team comprising and thereby competing for exciting rewards.
Nevertheless, in spite of its popularity, Dream11 is not offered uniformly across India due to a certain legal interpretation and laws in particular states.
We will be discussing, in the blog below, why Dream11 is generally considered legal in India, dream11 restricted states that ban it, and the reason for placing these restrictions. We also look at some of the most frequently asked questions to keep you better informed on this matter.
Table of Contents
Why Is Dream11 Legal in India?
The concept of gambling does not apply to Dream11 as it provides a skill-based fantasy sports platform. A player can make a team based on any real-life sports event and will win points based on their knowledge and analysis.
In 2017, the Punjab and Haryana High Court gave an order stating that this is a game of skill and not luck; thus, it is legal under Indian law.
The Supreme Court of India supported this judgment, too, in the year 2021, that games where winning requires considerable skill are not gambling within the meaning of Public Gambling Act, 1867.
Yet, with this clarity in law, the regulatory environment becomes different for every state because each state has its discretion in making laws on betting and gambling. Thus, Dream11 operates in restricted states.
Dream11 Restricted States
Currently, Dream11 restricted states are as follows:
- Assam
- Odisha
- Telangana
- Nagaland
- Andhra Pradesh
- Sikkim
- Tamil Nadu (Note: Legal status subject to change)
Let’s dive into why Dream11 is restricted in each of these states.
1. Assam
Under the prevailing legal enactment, the Assam Game and Betting Act, 1970, which prohibits betting or wagering of any form on any platform, fantasy sports applications fall under the ambit of the betting and hence, Dream11 remains barred.
2. Odisha
Odisha enforces the Orissa Prevention of Gambling Act, 1955, and has stringent laws related to gambling. The fact that Dream11 is a game of skill in most parts of the country does not matter as state laws make no distinction between skill-based and chance-based games, hence banning it.
3. Telangana
In 2017, Telangana amended its Telangana Gaming Act to include online gaming within the definition of gambling. Since there was no differentiation in this law between skill and chance games, Dream11 would be banned in the state.
4. Nagaland
The Online Gaming Regulation Act of Nagaland in 2016 permits skill-based gaming, but here too, the operator must get specific licenses. Dream11 does not operate under that license and hence is not available to the users in this state.
5. Andhra Pradesh
In 2020, Andhra Pradesh modified its gaming laws to ban online gaming and betting, which even included skill-based games. Thus, the amendment clearly prohibits sites such as Dream11.
6. Sikkim
Even though Sikkim has quite a modernistic take on gaming laws, still, it only allows a few licensed platforms to operate within its boundaries. Among them, Dream11 falls under no category, hence is inaccessible to the users here.
7. Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has fluctuating laws on online gaming. Previously, the state had banned even skill-based platforms such as Dream11 by classifying those as gambling. While such laws always face legal challenges, Dream11 is still not operational in the state until further notice.
FAQ’s
Can I use a VPN to access Dream11 in restricted states?
Using a VPN to access Dream11 in restricted states is against the platform’s terms and conditions and may result in account suspension or legal consequences. It’s advisable to comply with state laws.
Are other fantasy platforms also banned in these states?
Yes, other fantasy sports platforms that operate on a similar model are often restricted in these states for the same reasons as Dream11.
Can Dream11 become legal in restricted states in the future?
Yes, if state governments amend their gaming laws to differentiate skill-based games from gambling, platforms like Dream11 may become legal. Legal challenges or advocacy from industry stakeholders may also influence these changes.
Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. The legal landscape regarding online gaming platforms is subject to change based on state laws and judicial rulings. Users are advised to check their local laws and Dream11’s terms and conditions before participating on the platform.
