Haryana’s Prevention of Public Gambling Act, 2025 and Its Impact on Fantasy and Opinion Trading Platforms

Haryana, which borders the Delhi NCR, has become a focal point for changes in the fantasy and opinion trading landscape after enacting the Prevention of Public Gambling Act, 2025. This new legislation replaces a 158-year-old gambling law and has led platforms like Mobile Premier League (MPL) to limit user access in the region.

Understanding the New Law’s Provisions

The recently implemented law provides a comprehensive definition of “bet,” encompassing any agreement where an individual wins or loses based on an uncertain outcome. This broad scope could potentially extend to fantasy games, rummy, and opinion trading applications. Despite distinguishing between games of skill and chance, the act grants the state government the authority to determine what qualifies as a game of skill. In the absence of this classification, such activities risk being categorized as illegal betting under the Act.

MPL’s Response to the Legislation

Section 2(g) of the Act outlines the definition of a “game of skill” while allowing state authorities to identify qualifying games. Although opinion trading and fantasy platforms are not explicitly mentioned, the definition of “bet” could encompass them based on real-world outcomes. Consequently, MPL has opted to disable its fantasy and opinion trading platform “Opinio” in Haryana. According to a spokesperson for MPL, “MPL has halted its sports-related activities in Haryana due to the new legislation that forbids prediction-based games reliant on uncertain outcomes that participants cannot influence.”

Questions Around Continued Operations of Other Platforms

This decision raises a pertinent question: why do platforms such as Dream11, My11Circle, MyTeam11, and Sportsbaazi continue to operate in Haryana? Given the circumstances, one might argue that these platforms should consider joining MPL in pausing their fantasy sports operations in the state. Vasundhara Shanker, Managing Partner at Verum Legal, mentioned the possibility of legal challenges against the law if it conflicts with Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. However, until a court rules otherwise, the law is fully enforceable. The interpretation of this regulation will dictate what is permissible and what is not.

The Path Forward for Fantasy Sports Platforms

Shanker further suggested that these platforms should seek formal recognition under Sections 2(g) and 16 of the Act and be equipped with legal documentation to substantiate their classification as games of skill. At the time of publication, Dream11 and My11Circle chose not to comment, while inquiries directed at MyTeam11 and Sportsbaazi went unanswered. Their responses, if received, will be included in subsequent updates.

Many of these platforms operate legally across most Indian states, backed by Supreme Court and High Court rulings that recognize their formats as games of skill. Nonetheless, gambling legislation falls under the State List in the Constitution, giving states the mandate to implement their own rules. For example, despite favourable court rulings, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have instituted bans on all online gaming involving stakes. Similar to these states, Haryana’s recent law indicates that no game is immune unless explicitly approved by the state.

A senior legal analyst noted, “Supreme Court rulings do not provide absolute protection if a state enacts an enforceable law.” The message from the Haryana legislation is clear: operate without proper notification, and the risks increase significantly.