Highlights
- MPL plans to lay off around 300 of its 500 Indian employees due to government ban on real-money online gaming.
- The ban targets paid fantasy sports, rummy, and poker games citing addiction and financial risks among youth.
- MPL will focus on free-to-play games and international markets, including expanding business in the U.S. and Brazil.
Mobile Premier League (MPL), a prominent Indian online gaming platform, is set to reduce its Indian workforce by about 60%, according to a company source, following the government’s recent ban on real-money gaming (RMG). The downsizing will affect roughly 300 employees across various departments such as marketing, finance, operations, engineering, and legal. MPL CEO Sai Srinivas confirmed the restructuring in an internal email, noting that India accounted for nearly half of the company’s revenue, which is now expected to cease.
MPL To Focus on the United States and Brazil
The Indian government banned paid online games, including fantasy cricket, rummy, and poker, citing concerns over addiction and financial harm, particularly among younger players. The law, enacted under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, has led to the shutdown or suspension of many real-money gaming apps. This move has shaken an industry previously expected to grow into a $3.6 billion market by 2029, with backing from major venture capital firms such as Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners.
MPL plans to pivot towards free-to-play models and expand its presence in international markets like the United States and Brazil, where paid gaming is still permitted. The company has stated it will provide support to affected employees during this transition period. Meanwhile, rival firms such as Dream11 have stopped their paid gaming offerings but reportedly do not plan layoffs.
Some companies, like A23, have challenged the government ban in court, but MPL has chosen not to pursue a legal challenge, believing it would be a lengthy process with uncertain outcomes. This development marks a significant shift in India’s online gaming landscape, as the RMG industry adapts to the new changes.
MPL is not the only company affected by the nationwide ban on all online games involving monetary stakes. This sweeping legislation effectively dismantled a real-money gaming sector valued at over $3.7 billion. RMG companies are pivoting to new business models to maintain viability. Dream Sports, the parent of Dream11, has transitioned away from paid contests toward free-to-play and social gaming formats and launched a fintech app, "Dream Money," to diversify revenue streams.
Similarly, WinZO has launched an in-app short-video platform and is expanding internationally. Mobile Premier League (MPL), which previously generated significant revenue from India, has suspended its paid gaming services and is investing in free-to-play games globally while focusing on developer tools and technology innovation. These shifts reflect a broader industry trend toward skill-based play, entertainment, finance, and international markets amid evolving regulatory landscapes.
