India May Re-Legalize Fantasy Sports, Chess, and Poker

^{Pictured: Justice K. V. Viswanathan}

During ongoing hearings challenging India’s new ban on online gambling, the Supreme Court signaled that so-called “games of skill” — including fantasy sports, chess, poker, and esports — could be exempted from the nationwide prohibition, Inside Asian Gaming reports, citing local media.

Justice K. V. Viswanathan, while hearing a petition filed by a professional chess player contesting the law’s application to online chess tournaments, noted that competitions based on skill could be fully excluded from the law’s scope.

The court has consolidated this petition with several related cases and scheduled the next hearing for November 26, 2025.

India’s law, enacted in August 2025, imposed a blanket ban on all online games involving monetary stakes — regardless of whether outcomes depend on chance or skill. The measure affected not only casinos and betting platforms but also previously legal activities such as fantasy sports and online poker. Violations can result in up to three years of imprisonment and fines for organizing such games.

The impact on the industry has been severe: dozens of companies have suspended or ceased operations entirely. Among them are global operator Flutter Entertainment and India’s Dream Sports, owner of the country’s largest platform, Dream11. The latter halted its business, losing, according to founder Harsh Jain, “95 percent of revenue and all profits within days.”

Gambling Park previously reported on the challenges facing Indian cricket following Dream11’s market exit.