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FIR against fantasy platform Sportasy under new Haryana gambling law; pressure mounts on Dream11, My11Circle, others

EntrackrEntrackr · 1m ago
FIR against fantasy platform Sportasy under new Haryana gambling law; pressure mounts on Dream11, My11Circle, others
Medial

Under Haryana’s new gambling law, the state has registered its first FIR against fantasy sports platform Sportasy, owned by Blossomfield Gamingzone Pvt Ltd. The complaint, filed by Hari Nuniya, a resident of Naharpur, signals the beginning of Haryana’s action against fantasy gaming operators. The move follows Haryana's notification of the Prevention of Public Gambling Act, 2025, in May. The revised law includes fantasy sports and opinion trading platforms within its scope, unless they are specifically recognised as "games of skill" by the state government under Sections 2(g) and 16 of the Act. Despite previous court rulings that classify fantasy sports as skill-based, Haryana’s law requires explicit approval at the state level. Without this, even long-time operators may face legal consequences. Platforms like MPL have already suspended their fantasy and opinion-trading services in Haryana, anticipating such risks. But others including Dream11, My11Circle, SportsBaazi, and MyTeam11 continue to operate in the state. With the FIR against Sportasy now public, pressure is mounting on fantasy games, rummy, and opinion trading apps, including Dream11, My11Circle, MyTeam11, and Sportsbaazi, among many others. Legal experts say they could be vulnerable to similar action, including FIRs, criminal proceedings, asset freezes, and operational disruptions, if they fail to secure state recognition. After the new law came into effect, authorities took action in the opinion trading space. In May, Gurugram Police froze over Rs 100 crore linked to the Probo app. Probo then approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which refused to release the funds. The company subsequently moved to the Supreme Court on June 2, but the Court directed it to return to the High Court for a full hearing. The High Court heard the matter today and instructed the investigating officers to present all relevant details at the next hearing on June 12 (tomorrow). This FIR against Sportasy is the first known case under the new law targeting a fantasy sports platform. Last month, Entrackr reported on how apps like Dream11, My11Circle, and others are still running in Haryana after the new law came into effect. The report explained how the law’s broad definition of “betting” includes fantasy sports, opinion trading, and other real-money gaming platforms.

Gameskraft pauses operations of Pocket52

EntrackrEntrackr · 2m ago
Gameskraft pauses operations of Pocket52
Medial

Gameskraft has announced a strategic pause on its poker platform, Pocket52, as part of a broader plan to reassess and redefine its approach to the poker category in India. According to the company, it aims to deliver a more focused and differentiated experience to players, aligning with its long-term strategic vision for the poker segment. “The ‘Add Cash’ feature on Pocket52 will be discontinued on May 22, 2025, and gameplay will end on May 30, 2025. The platform will remain accessible until July 2025 for withdrawals, ensuring that all existing customer funds are secure and accessible through standard processes,” the company said in a release. Gameskraft has assured that the pause will not impact its employee strength and that all communications regarding withdrawals and further updates will be sent to players. While Gameskraft did not explicitly cite the 28% GST imposed by the government on gaming startups as a reason, it cannot be ruled out as a factor behind the strategic pause. Several startups have faced layoffs and shutdowns since the implementation of the tax. Despite the operational pause, Gameskraft continues to focus on creating innovative digital experiences for players across its gaming portfolio. According to TheKredible, Gameskraft’s revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,475 crore in FY24 from Rs 2,673 crore in FY23. During the period, its profit dropped 10.8% to Rs 947 crore. Besides Pocket52, Gameskraft also runs Rummy Culture, Playship, RummyPrime, Ludo Culture, and Rummy Time.

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