Dream11, the Indian fantasy-sports major, has begun a rapid international expansion, launching its platform in 11 countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates — even as regulatory changes at home force a major reworking of its business model.
The company’s move, first reported by Moneycontrol, also extends to New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Nepal, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
The overseas roll-out will not include real-money contests, according to the report.
The expansion comes after a significant shift in India’s regulatory landscape.
In August 2025, Parliament approved legislation that effectively prohibited real-money online gaming and restricted advertising and sponsorship tied to such services. The new law prompted Dream11 and other platforms to suspend paid contests in India almost immediately.
Company communications and industry coverage indicate that Dream11 is now relying on a freemium model monetized through advertisers and brand partnerships rather than user entry fees.
The company has been onboarding advertisers and sponsors to the platform, with an emphasis on ad formats, sponsored contests, and features that boost user engagement without involving monetary wagers.
Industry analysts say the dual strategy — international expansion coupled with a free-to-play pivot — is designed to blunt the revenue shock from India’s regulatory overhaul while preserving the massive user base and engagement metrics that have made Dream11 one of the most valuable fantasy-sports brands globally.
The platform’s fantasy formats and new features, such as customizable leagues, remain highly engaging and the app continues to attract millions of daily active users, say experts.
The overseas rollout, however, presents its own challenges. Market conditions, competitive landscapes, and local gaming and gambling laws vary significantly across the 11 jurisdictions.
Dream11’s decision not to offer real-money contests abroad at launch reflects a cautious regulatory approach, even as the company aims to broaden its advertising inventory and partner with regional sports and media organizations.
Analysts have pointed out that long-term success will depend on user acquisition costs, local partnerships, and the company’s ability to adapt to different sports ecosystems and fan cultures.
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