Dream11 eyes advertising revenue with 10 million daily active users after RMG ban

Fantasy sports platform Dream11, which has around 10 million daily active users, is monetising through advertising and sponsorships, allowing users to win brand-backed prizes while participating in free contests.

The platform, part of Dream Sports, which has over 250 million registered users, pivoted to a free-to-play model following the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025, which imposed a blanket ban on real money gaming (RMG) in India.

The company said the strategy aims to help brands engage more effectively with a predominantly young audience, with nearly 70% of users aged 18-35. Early advertisers on the platform include food delivery and quick commerce firm Swiggy, online astrology services startup Astrotalk, and Tata’s ecommerce venture Tata Neu.


“Over the years, many brands have shown strong interest in partnering with Dream11, and now, after our pivot to free-to-play fantasy sports, we have begun onboarding them selectively,” said Vikrant Mudaliar, chief marketing officer of Dream Sports, in a prepared statement.

Dream11’s portfolio also includes digital sports platform FanCode, sports travel service DreamSetGo, and mobile gaming title Dream Cricket.

In an earlier conversation with ET, Harsh Jain, CEO of Dream Sports, said that with RMG off the table, the company is pinning its future on sports AI, free-to-play fan engagement, and creator-led products.

The legislation on RMG has forced many firms to pivot their business models, exit India, or cut staff.

Last month, Winzo wound up its RMG business in India and entered the US market with micro-dramas, while Gurugram-based Zupee launched Zupee Studio, a short-format video platform. Mobile Premier League (MPL) also halted all money-based operations in India and said it is exploring a new business model.

Other exits include Hike, operator of the RMG platform Rush, which fully shut down in India, and Flutter Entertainment, owner of Junglee Games, which ceased real-money operations on August 25, calling the regulations “disappointing.”