Indian fantasy sports powerhouse Dream11 has gone international, unveiling a major expansion across 11 new markets following India’s nationwide ban on real-money gaming. The company, which built its success around paid-entry fantasy contests, has launched its free-to-play fantasy sports platform in the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Nepal, Bangladesh, the UAE, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
Expansion Marks New Era After India’s Real-Money Ban
Until recently, Dream11 operated exclusively in India, where it dominated the fantasy sports landscape with millions of users and partnerships across major cricket leagues. However, its business model changed dramatically after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 banned all pay-to-play games involving cash prizes. The legislation, passed by India’s parliament in August 2025, targeted what it defined as “real-money games,” which included fantasy sports, rummy, and poker, while exempting esports to promote grassroots gaming development.
This regulatory shift forced Dream11 to abandon its core paid-contest model and rebuild as a free-to-play platform. As a result, revenue generation now relies on advertising, sponsorships, and brand collaborations rather than entry fees. According to co-founder and CEO Harsh Jain, around 95% of Dream11’s income disappeared after the new law came into effect, prompting the company’s rapid pivot to global markets.
In a statement, Dream11 explained that the latest expansion represents “the next big step toward becoming a truly global destination for fantasy sports.” According to SBC News, the platform now invites fans across cricket-loving nations to build their teams and compete for non-cash rewards based on real match performances.
Localized Offerings and Brand-Backed Rewards
Each new market will experience a version of Dream11 adapted to local sports preferences. While cricket remains the centerpiece, the Australian platform will include rugby league and AFL fantasy competitions, tapping into the country’s sports culture. Similarly, users in the UK and US will have access to fantasy contests featuring major tournaments and local leagues, with brand-sponsored prizes replacing traditional cash pools.
Chief Marketing Officer Vikrant Mudaliar emphasized that the shift to a free-to-play model allows Dream11 to collaborate more flexibly with advertisers. “Over the years, many brands have shown strong interest in partnering with Dream11. Now, after our shift to free-to-play fantasy sports, we have started onboarding them selectively,” he said. Current partners include Swiggy, Astrotalk, and Tata Neu, all of which participate in ad-based and sponsored league campaigns.
The company has also rolled out a feature called Flex, enabling players to design custom fantasy leagues with their own rules, transfer systems, and match formats. This personalization aims to attract more engagement from fans seeking social, skill-driven competition rather than monetary gain.
Dream11’s entry into international markets such as the UK, US, Australia, and South Africa will serve as a critical test for its reimagined business model. These regions already have established fantasy sports frameworks and regulatory clarity that differentiate them from India’s restrictive environment.
In Australia, for example, fantasy sports are categorized under sports wagering rather than casino-style gambling, and operators function under corporate bookmaker licences. Dream11 will therefore operate legally within local frameworks while keeping its contests entirely free to play.
Back home, Dream11’s transformation follows years of massive growth. The company was India’s first fantasy sports unicorn, reaching an $8 billion valuation in 2021, with over 250 million registered users and 10 million daily active players before the 2025 ban. Despite losing its paid-contest infrastructure and its sponsorship of India’s national cricket team, the company’s global expansion underscores its resilience and adaptability.
As Dream11’s statement concluded, “By combining sports passion with technology, Dream11 continues to transform sports fans into active participants and strengthen its leadership in the fantasy sports category.”
