India’s Real-Money Gaming Ban Sparks Sponsorship Crisis in Nation’s Pride Sport, Cricket

In India, the RMG ban has deprived cricket, the nation’s most popular sport, of its major sponsors.

India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, will formally outlaw all real-money gaming (RMG) types, including fantasy sports, from October 1. The new rules prohibit advertising, promotion, and sponsorship by fantasy operators and betting firms.

The Indian Premier League (IPL), the world’s most popular and most watched men’s cricket domestic competition, has already lost its $15 million-per-year deal with My11Circle and title sponsor Dream11. Major franchises such as the Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Sunrisers Hyderabad enter the new season without primary sponsors. Fantasy operators previously made up nearly 40% of IPL’s ad revenue, leaving a massive commercial vacuum.

National Teams Find Stability, Players Lose Out

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the cancellation of its ₹358 crore ($44 million) jersey deal with Dream11. A quick replacement was secured: Apollo Tyres signed a $66 million contract as the new lead sponsor for India’s men’s and women’s teams until March 2028.

While the national squads found stability, IPL players face steep personal losses. Virat Kohli’s $1.05 million endorsement with MPL and similar contracts could vanish. Collectively, cricketers stand to lose between $14 million and $26 million in personal deals tied to fantasy operators.

Ripple Effect on Leagues and Markets

Dream11 and other operators are scrambling to transition into free-to-play, ad-supported models. Instead of cash prizes, users will compete for brand-backed rewards. However, analysts warn that Indian fans may shift to offshore online gambling sites, often via VPNs, fueling an unregulated ecosystem.

The consequences stretch beyond India. The European Cricket Network (ECN) postponed the launch of its European T20 League until 2026 due to sponsorship funding losses linked to the RMG freeze. Domestically, companies like MPL have already announced layoffs amid collapsing revenues.

Despite this turmoil, IPL media rights remain secure. Viacom18 (Paramount-Reliance) and Star (Disney) hold the broadcasting contracts until 2027, ensuring stable revenues in that area.

Outlook for Future

The sudden void left by RMG sponsors is forcing Indian cricket to rethink its commercial ecosystem. Traditional industries like consumer goods, technology, and manufacturing may step in, but none currently match the scale of fantasy operators’ investments.

The next few seasons will reveal whether cricket in India can rebuild its sponsorship landscape or whether the ban leaves a long-lasting dent in revenue, player earnings, and fan engagement.