How to Play Dream11 and Earn Money in 2025: Navigating the New Free-to-Play Landscape

For millions of Indians, Dream11 was synonymous with fantasy sports and the thrill of earning money. However, in 2025, the landscape has fundamentally changed with the passing of the Online Gaming Bill. This guide will show you how to continue enjoying Dream11, understand its new free-to-play model, and explore the new avenues for earning—without involving real money.

The New Reality: The Online Gaming Bill 2025 Explained

In August 2025, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 was passed by both houses of Parliament and signed into law by the President. This comprehensive legislation imposes a blanket ban on all online money-based gaming, regardless of whether it involves skill or chance. It also prohibits advertisements, financial transactions, and operation of such games. Hefty penalties—including up to three years in jail and fines—are in place for violators. (Reuters, The Economic Times, Training By Himanshu)

Under the new regulatory framework, e-sports, educational games, and non-monetary social gaming are still permitted. The bill establishes a National Online Gaming Commission (NOGC) to license and oversee platforms, enforce consumer protection, and promote responsible gaming practices. (Wikipedia)

From Paid Contests to Free-to-Play: How Dream11 Has Changed

Following the bill’s enactment, Dream11 immediately discontinued all paid contests and transitioned entirely to a free-to-play social gaming model. (The Times of India) This pivot reflects compliance with new legal mandates and a strategic shift to retain user engagement without cash-based operations.

This new Dream11 free-to-play model focuses on gameplay, social recognition, and non-monetary rewards rather than financial earnings—really a fundamental shift in how the platform functions.

Advanced Strategies for Winning in the New Era

Even though direct earnings are off the table, you can still master the game with a fantasy skills approach, leveraging smart strategy to shine on Dream11’s new platform.

Dream11 Team Selection Tips

• Research performance data: Prioritize players in form—with recent match statistics and pitch conditions.
• Balance your squad: Use a mix of high-floor consistent performers and high-ceiling risk-takers.
• Stay updated on match conditions: Weather, pitch type, and toss can significantly influence fantasy outcomes.

Fantasy Cricket Winning Strategy 2025

• Leverage matchups: Pick all-rounders when opposing teams have weak spin or pace combinations.
• Captain/vice-captain strategy: Choose consistent high-output players—even in free-to-play, leadership picks often affect standings or reward multiplier systems.
• Use tier rotations: If Dream11 introduces tiers or reward points, switch strategies based on entry criteria—play small and smart.

Can You Still ‘Earn’ on Dream11?

In strict legal terms, no, you cannot earn real money on Dream11 in 2025. The Online Gaming Bill 2025 makes real-money contests illegal. (Reuters, Zaivoo, Training By Himanshu)

However, there are still ways to gain value:

• Win in-game prizes, loyalty rewards, or platform perks.
• Build social recognition—leaderboard rankings, community status.
• Sharpen your strategic and analytical skills, which can be transferable to esports or other competitive environments.

💡Pro Tip: While direct money earnings are no longer possible, you can still win valuable prizes and social recognition within the app. Focus on strategic mastery rather than financial gain.

What Happens to My Existing Dream11 Account Balance?

Dream11’s discontinuation of paid contests impacts existing balances significantly. Under new regulations:

• Pending balances are expected to be refunded or otherwise settled by the platform.
• Dream11 must comply with the segregated accounts and refundability requirements outlined under the NOGC rules. (Wikipedia)

If you have a balance, monitor communications from Dream11 and reach out to customer support promptly to ensure proper settlement.

Warning

Using unregulated offshore platforms that still offer real-money gaming is illegal and risky. These platforms operate outside Indian law, exposing you to potential fraud, financial loss, and lack of legal recourse. Avoid such services—play only on licensed, regulated platforms.

FAQ

Is Dream11 banned in India?
No. Dream11 is not banned—it has simply discontinued paid contests and now operates as a free-to-play platform under the new legal framework.

Why did Dream11 stop paid contests?
Because the Online Gaming Bill 2025 banned all money-based gaming in India, requiring platforms like Dream11 to eliminate real-money features immediately.

What happens to my account balance?
Dream11 is expected to settle any pending balances, following regulatory mandates for refundability and segregated user accounts under the NOGC guidelines.

The game has changed, but the fun and competition haven’t. Master the new rules and strategies for 2025 and stay ahead of the game, legally and skillfully.

• Reuters
• The Times of India
• The Economic Times