TNFSukhan Kakkar/ TNF
Dream11 has emerged as one of India’s biggest fantasy sports platforms, offering cricket fans the opportunity to create virtual teams, compete with others, and earn money based on real match outcomes. While immensely popular, Dream11’s business model and legality have been subjects of significant debate.
What is Dream11?
Dream11 is a fantasy sports platform where users assemble virtual teams of real-life players. Points are awarded based on the players’ performance in actual games. Participants pay an entry fee to join contests, and the platform distributes the pool money among winners after deducting its commission.
The platform covers various sports like cricket, football, basketball, and kabaddi but is particularly beloved by cricket enthusiasts, especially during major tournaments like the IPL or World Cups.
How Does Dream11 Make Money?
Dream11 operates primarily through entry fees and commissions. Users pay to participate in contests, with fees ranging from as low as ₹10 to thousands of rupees. A percentage of this pool (generally 15-20%) is retained by Dream11 as platform fees, while the rest is distributed as prize money.
The platform also generates revenue through advertisements and partnerships with sports leagues and teams. Its vast user base—over 150 million registered users—ensures a steady revenue stream, making it one of the most profitable fantasy sports companies globally.
Is Dream11 Legal in India?
The legality of Dream11 depends on Indian laws concerning betting and gambling. While gambling is largely illegal in India, Dream11 argues that it is a “game of skill” rather than chance, making it permissible under Indian law. Courts in various states, including the Supreme Court of India, have upheld this stance.
However, Dream11 is banned in certain states like Assam, Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, where even games of skill involving monetary stakes are prohibited. Critics argue that fantasy sports can lead to addiction and financial losses, raising ethical concerns.
Why are Indian Cricketers Wearing Dream11 Jerseys?
Dream11 is the official sponsor of the Indian cricket team’s jersey for domestic and international matches, including the current Test series against Australia. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) signed a deal with Dream11 in 2023 after its previous sponsorship deal with Byju’s ended.
The partnership underscores Dream11’s significant influence in the sports world, allowing the platform to cement its brand visibility during high-profile matches. Indian cricketers wearing Dream11-branded jerseys signify the deep integration of fantasy sports with mainstream cricket, blurring the lines between traditional sports and digital gaming.
Why is Dream11 Controversial?
Despite its success, Dream11 has faced criticism for promoting gambling-like behavior among youth. Its heavy advertising during cricket matches encourages impulsive participation, often leading to financial losses for users who fail to win contests. Critics also question its ethics, especially since cricket is considered a gentleman’s game, and associating it with money-based competitions raises moral concerns.
Additionally, its sponsorship of the Indian cricket team has drawn mixed reactions. While some see it as a progressive step toward embracing digital platforms, others worry that it sends the wrong message by indirectly encouraging young fans to participate in fantasy sports.
Dream11’s meteoric rise reflects the growing popularity of fantasy sports in India. Its association with the Indian cricket team has given it unparalleled visibility, making it a household name. While its legality has been upheld in most states, the ethical concerns surrounding addiction and financial losses remain valid.
For now, Dream11 continues to dominate the fantasy sports landscape, leveraging its sponsorship deals and user base to stay ahead. However, its growing influence raises important questions about the role of digital platforms in sports and their impact on fans.
