Several Indian startups, including Dream Sports, MPL, and Zupee, have recently announced that they will be shutting down their real-money games following the passing of a bill by the Indian parliament. The bill, which was passed on September 15th, 2020, bans all forms of online gambling and betting in the country. This decision has come as a shock to many, as the online gaming industry in India has been thriving in recent years, with these startups being at the forefront of this growth.
The passing of the bill has caused a lot of uncertainty and concern among the players and employees of these startups. However, the founders of these companies have taken a positive approach towards this situation and have assured their users that they will be back with new and innovative offerings in the near future.
Dream Sports, the parent company of popular fantasy sports platform Dream11, has been one of the most successful startups in the online gaming industry in India. The company has over 100 million users and has been a pioneer in the fantasy sports market in the country. With the passing of the bill, Dream Sports has decided to shut down its real-money games and focus on its non-gambling offerings. In a statement released by the company, the founders expressed their disappointment but also mentioned that they are committed to complying with the law and will continue to provide a safe and enjoyable gaming experience to their users.
MPL (Mobile Premier League), another popular gaming platform, has also announced that it will be suspending its real-money games. The company, which has over 60 million users, has been a game-changer in the online gaming industry in India. MPL has been a platform for gamers to showcase their skills and earn money through various games. However, with the ban on real-money games, MPL has decided to shift its focus to esports and other non-gambling offerings. The founders of MPL have stated that they are confident in the potential of esports in India and are committed to providing a platform for gamers to compete and win.
Zupee, a trivia gaming platform, has also joined the list of startups that have decided to shut down their real-money games. The company, which has over 10 million users, has been a popular choice among trivia lovers in India. However, with the ban on real-money games, Zupee has decided to pivot its business model and focus on its non-gambling offerings. The founders of Zupee have stated that they are excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead and are committed to providing a safe and entertaining platform for their users.
The passing of the bill has also raised concerns about the future of the online gaming industry in India. Many experts believe that the ban on real-money games will have a significant impact on the growth of the industry. However, the founders of these startups have remained positive and have stated that they will continue to work towards providing a safe and enjoyable gaming experience to their users.
The ban on real-money games has also brought to light the need for a regulatory framework for the online gaming industry in India. The lack of clear regulations has led to confusion and uncertainty among players and companies alike. With the ban on real-money games, it is evident that there is a need for a comprehensive regulatory framework that will not only protect the interests of the players but also promote the growth of the industry.
In conclusion, the decision of these Indian startups to shut down their real-money games may have come as a disappointment to their users, but it also reflects their commitment to complying with the law and providing a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. These startups have been pioneers in the online gaming industry in India and have played a significant role in its growth. With their positive attitude and determination, it is only a matter of time before they bounce back with new and innovative offerings. The ban on real-money games may have been a setback, but it has also opened up new opportunities for these startups to explore and expand their business.
