Fantasy Sports Legal Status in India: Grey Zone Explained
Fantasy sports in India have exploded in popularity, but their legal status remains murky. Platforms like Dream11 argue their games are skill-based and thus legal under India’s Public Gambling Act of 1867. While some high courts have sided with this view, others remain skeptical, and several states have outright banned such platforms. The lack of centralized regulation, combined with varying state-level interpretations, creates a patchwork legal landscape. As the fantasy sports industry continues to grow, especially during major cricket seasons, a clearer legal framework is urgently needed to balance innovation, consumer protection, and state interests.