Indian fantasy sports giant Dream11 has officially expanded into the United Kingdom. This marks a significant step in its plan for global growth. Building on its success in India, the company announced that it will launch its free-to-play fantasy platform in the UK, along with 10 other international markets. This move comes as it adjusts to new regulations at home.
The change follows India’s passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which effectively banned real-money fantasy contests. This pushed Dream11 to shift from paid entry games to a model that relies on advertising, sponsorships, and non-cash competitions.
In the UK market, Dream11 will introduce its platform without cash-based contests. Instead, users can participate for free and earn brand-backed rewards. This expansion shows the company’s goal to diversify beyond its Indian business and enter mature advertising-driven markets like the UK and the USA.
What Dream11’s UK Launch Means for Fans
Dream11’s UK launch introduces a free-to-play fantasy sports platform, moving away from cash-based contests to comply with local regulations. UK users can create teams, join fantasy leagues, and compete for prizes or rewards without staking real money.
The expansion targets a large sports-loving audience, allowing Dream11 to generate revenue through advertising and brand partnerships instead of entry fees. This approach ensures fans enjoy engaging fantasy experiences while adhering to regional rules.
Dream11’s UK platform will offer formats like banner ads and sponsored contests. This allows brands to design campaigns for various audiences. They can reach young mobile-first fans, families in smaller towns, and experienced cricket lovers in major cities.
“Over the years, many brands have shown strong interest in partnering with Dream11. Now, after our shift to free-to-play fantasy sports, we have started onboarding them selectively,” said Vikrant Mudaliar, Chief Marketing Officer of Dream Sports.
Why Dream11 Was Banned in India
Dream11 faced restrictions in India following the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which effectively banned real-money online gaming and fantasy contests with cash stakes. The legislation aimed to curb gambling-related risks and protect users from financial losses.
As a result, Dream11’s traditional paid-entry fantasy contests were no longer legally permissible. This forced the company to pivot to free-to-play formats and focus on monetization through advertising and sponsorships rather than cash-based participation.
Related Read:
Dream11’s Future and Global Expansion
Dream11 is expanding beyond fantasy sports into a wider global sports engagement system. It plans to launch its free-to-play format in several countries and create new revenue avenues through advertising and brand partnerships.
The company is also working on new features like customizable league rules and virtual rewards to increase fan interaction while following regulations.
In the future, Dream11 wants to take advantage of major international sports events and global markets to broaden its user base and lessen reliance on any one region.
