India Bans Real-Money Online Gambling — What This Means for iGaming Affiliates

What’s happening in the market?

Many major platforms like Dream11, My11Circle, and MPL, which previously offered fantasy sports with cash stakes, had to pause or even shut down their real-money operations. But this isn’t all bad news. The law is also creating space for non-cash games — like skill-based games, esports, and social gaming — which are completely legal and growing fast.

Opportunities for affiliates

For iGaming affiliates, these changes are both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, the reduction in cash-based platforms limits traditional monetization channels. On the other, the rise of esports, skill-based, and social games opens exciting new ways to attract traffic and earn commissions.

Affiliates who adapt quickly can focus on promoting legally compliant platforms — think games of skill, esports tournaments, and social games. Monitoring legislative developments and adjusting your strategy accordingly is key. Those who act fast and provide quality, legal content can position themselves as leaders in the market.

In short, India is reshaping its online gaming landscape. The old ways of monetizing real-money platforms may be fading, but new opportunities in skill and esports are just getting started. Affiliates who pivot early will benefit the most.