Last updated: November
Fantasy sports sits at a fascinating intersection in India: cricket obsession meets digital payments, law meets skill. Dream11 has become the household name at the center of that story, but not every Indian state treats real‑money fantasy contests the same way. This is your living, expert‑curated resource on dream11 banned states and state‑wise legality—written for sports fans, casual players, and policy watchers who want clarity without confusion.
Quick answer: Dream11 restricted states right now
Restricted States (no paid contests on Dream11):
- Andhra Pradesh
- Assam
- Nagaland
- Odisha
- Sikkim
- Telangana
Important:
- Always verify the latest list on the Dream11 Help Center (Restricted States article). Platform policy can change when a state issues a new notification or a court order.
- Why these six? The specific reasons vary: some states ban all real‑money online games (including skill), some lack a clear “skill” exemption, and some require special local licences for operators.
Reference examples:
- Telangana State Gaming (Amendment) legislation and notifications extending the ban to online stakes.
- Andhra Pradesh Gaming Amendment that covers online games played for money.
- Assam Game and Betting Act and Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act—historic statutes without a clear skill carve‑out.
- Sikkim and Nagaland regimes that require local licences for online skill games.
Before we go deep, one truth from spending years covering this beat: there’s no hack and no shortcut worth the risk. Dream11 follows the law and will lock down paid contests by geolocation. If you love the game, play it where it’s allowed and play it right.
How Dream11 decides where you can play
- Geolocation checks: When you tap “Join” on a paid contest, the app checks your location. If you’re inside a restricted state, it will block you from joining paid contests. Even if your account was created elsewhere, location at the moment of entry governs access.
- KYC and compliance: PAN, bank verification, and sometimes address checks help Dream11 meet regulatory and tax obligations. If your KYC flags an address in a restricted state, you may face additional checks.
- Practice vs paid: Dream11’s restrictions target contests played for stakes. Free practice contests are typically allowed, but in some circumstances the app may still gate features for compliance or technical reasons. Treat in‑app messaging as the final word.
- Traveling users: You can still open the app while visiting a restricted state, but you won’t be able to enter paid contests. Your balances remain intact. After you return to an allowed state, paid contests re‑open automatically when the app verifies your new location.
State‑by‑state legality of Dream11 in India
This section is designed to be skim‑friendly, reliable, and defensible with citations. Status labels reflect Dream11’s real‑money participation policy, not generic opinions about “gaming” in each state.
State‑wise summary table
| State | Status |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Restricted (paid contests not allowed) |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Allowed |
| Assam | Restricted |
| Bihar | Allowed |
| Chhattisgarh | Allowed |
| Goa | Allowed |
| Gujarat | Allowed |
| Haryana | Allowed |
| Himachal Pradesh | Allowed |
| Jharkhand | Allowed |
| Karnataka | Allowed |
| Kerala | Allowed |
| Madhya Pradesh | Allowed |
| Maharashtra | Allowed |
| Manipur | Allowed |
| Meghalaya | Allowed |
| Mizoram | Allowed |
| Nagaland | Restricted |
| Odisha | Restricted |
| Punjab | Allowed |
| Rajasthan | Allowed |
| Sikkim | Restricted |
| Tamil Nadu | Allowed |
| Telangana | Restricted |
| Tripura | Allowed |
| Uttar Pradesh | Allowed |
| Uttarakhand | Allowed |
| West Bengal | Allowed |
Union Territories
| Union Territory | Status |
|---|---|
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Allowed |
| Chandigarh | Allowed |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | Allowed |
| Delhi | Allowed |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Allowed |
| Ladakh | Allowed |
| Lakshadweep | Allowed |
| Puducherry | Allowed |
Deep‑dive notes and legal context by state (alphabetical)
Andhra Pradesh — Restricted
Status: No paid contests on Dream11.
Why: The state’s amendment to gaming law explicitly extends prohibitions to online games played for stakes, without carving out an exception for skill. Even though fantasy sports have been recognized as skill by multiple high courts elsewhere, Dream11 honors Andhra Pradesh’s framework by restricting paid play.
Arunachal Pradesh — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted on Dream11.
Why: No state‑level prohibition targeting online skill games for stakes. Standard national jurisprudence on “game of skill” applies.
Assam — Restricted
Status: No paid contests on Dream11.
Why: The Assam Game and Betting Act is historically interpreted without a clear, explicit exemption for games of skill played for stakes. Most operators—including Dream11—avoid offering paid fantasy contests in Assam in light of this.
Bihar — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: No express prohibition against online games of skill for stakes. Dream11 operates as a game of skill.
Chhattisgarh — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: No state ban covering online games of skill. Normal compliance requirements apply.
Goa — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: Goa’s gaming framework addresses casinos and chance‑based formats; fantasy sports as skill remain permitted for online play.
Gujarat — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: Although Gujarat’s gambling law is conservative on chance‑based games, there is no standing prohibition against online fantasy sports played as games of skill. Dream11 operates here; as always, geolocation rules apply at contest entry.
Haryana — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: No state‑specific prohibition on online skill games. Haryana has been receptive to the broader skill doctrine underpinning fantasy formats.
Himachal Pradesh — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: No targeted law against online skill games for stakes.
Jharkhand — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: No explicit ban on online skill games. Dream11 operates per national jurisprudence on skill.
Karnataka — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: A blanket ban on online gaming for stakes was struck down by the state’s high court, restoring the ability for skill games to operate. Dream11 resumed operations accordingly. Always rely on Dream11 Help for any policy changes.
Kerala — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: The state’s attempt to curb certain online real‑money games ran into constitutional and judicial scrutiny—particularly around games of skill. Fantasy sports remains available on Dream11.
Madhya Pradesh — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: No state‑level prohibition specific to online skill games.
Maharashtra — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: The state’s legacy gambling law targets chance‑based play. Fantasy sports—constructed around selection skill, player statistics, and game knowledge—fits within the nationally accepted skill doctrine. Dream11 operates in Maharashtra.
Manipur — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: No targeted prohibition against online skill games.
Meghalaya — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: Meghalaya has a modern gaming regulation framework oriented around licensing certain activities. Fantasy sports platforms operate here; Dream11 allows paid contests.
Mizoram — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: No restrictive policy aimed at online games of skill for stakes.
Nagaland — Restricted
Status: No paid contests on Dream11.
Why: Nagaland’s Online Games of Skill framework licenses skill operators. Many mainstream platforms do not presently operate paid contests in Nagaland unless they comply with state licensing. Dream11 treats Nagaland as restricted.
Odisha — Restricted
Status: No paid contests on Dream11.
Why: The Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act does not clearly exempt skill games for stakes in a way that fantasy operators consider safe. Dream11 restricts paid contests.
Punjab — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: No ban on online skill games. Punjab’s players have historically been core to fantasy sports growth.
Rajasthan — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: The Rajasthan High Court has recognized fantasy formats as skill. Dream11 operates accordingly.
Sikkim — Restricted
Status: No paid contests on Dream11.
Why: Sikkim’s gaming regime envisions licensing for certain online activities, including skill. Many major fantasy platforms choose not to run paid contests in Sikkim without explicit alignment with the licensing framework. Dream11 restricts paid play.
Tamil Nadu — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: The Madras High Court struck down an earlier blanket law targeting online games; the subsequent legal regime focuses on “games of chance.” Fantasy sports—assessed by courts across India as skill—are available. Dream11 operates in Tamil Nadu.
Telangana — Restricted
Status: No paid contests on Dream11.
Why: Telangana’s gaming amendments brought online stakes‑based play within the statutory prohibitions. Without a skill carve‑out for online formats, fantasy platforms—including Dream11—do not offer paid contests.
Tripura — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: No specific prohibition of online games of skill for stakes.
Uttar Pradesh — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why:: No operational ban on online fantasy sports; Dream11 is available.
Uttarakhand — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: No state‑specific prohibition targeting online skill games.
West Bengal — Allowed
Status: Paid contests permitted.
Why: West Bengal’s gambling law addresses chance‑based games. While there’s jurisprudence on other games, fantasy sports is consistently treated as skill by Indian courts, and Dream11 operates here.
Union Territories
Andaman and Nicobar Islands — Allowed
Dream11 operates paid contests; no UT‑specific restriction on fantasy skill games.
Chandigarh — Allowed
The landmark Varun Gumber v. UT Chandigarh case from the Punjab & Haryana High Court recognized Dream11’s format as a game of skill. Dream11 operates in the UT.
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu — Allowed
No special restriction against online skill games; Dream11 operates.
Delhi — Allowed
The national capital follows the general skill‑chance distinction. Dream11 operates paid contests.
Jammu and Kashmir — Allowed
No current prohibition against online fantasy skill play; Dream11 operates.
Ladakh — Allowed
Dream11 operates paid contests; general skill doctrine applies.
Lakshadweep — Allowed
Dream11 operates; geolocation rules apply as usual.
Puducherry — Allowed
Dream11 operates; no specific prohibition on online fantasy skill play.
Why some states restrict fantasy sports
To understand dream11 restricted states, start with the Constitution: gambling and betting fall under the States List. That means each state can regulate (or prohibit) games for money inside its borders. The Public Gambling Act provides a historical framework, but states regularly amend or replace it.
Courts in India draw a sharp line between games of chance and games of skill. A game dominated by chance can be banned outright. A game dominated by skill enjoys constitutional protection as a legitimate business activity. Fantasy sports like Dream11 have repeatedly been adjudged as games of skill because:
- Outcomes turn on user selection skill, team balance, and contextual knowledge: pitch, weather, batting order, player form, playing XI.
- There’s no house‑banked odds; users compete against each other.
- The event outcome (match) is not enough to determine success—lineup construction and captain/vice‑captain decisions carry significant weight.
So why do some states still appear in the dream 11 banned states list?
- Absolute bans on online real‑money gaming: A few states chose to prohibit online games played for stakes altogether, regardless of skill. That pulls fantasy sports into the net even though courts recognize it as skill.
- No skill carve‑out in older laws: Legacy statutes in places like Assam and Odisha don’t clearly exempt skill games when money is involved. Operators tend to err on the side of caution.
- Licensing‑led regimes: Sikkim and Nagaland allow online gaming, but through licensing and local compliance. Many large platforms restrict paid contests there until their operating models fully align.
Key court rulings that shape Dream11’s legal position
- Varun Gumber v. UT Chandigarh (Punjab & Haryana High Court): The court analyzed Dream11’s scoring model and held it to be a game of skill. This is the cornerstone judgment that influenced subsequent cases and industry operations.
- Chandresh Sankhla v. State of Rajasthan (Rajasthan High Court): Reaffirmed that fantasy sports are skill‑based and constitutionally protected as business activity.
- Bombay High Court and other HCs: Similar holdings in cases addressing whether fantasy contests constitute gambling. The repeated theme is that dominant skill differentiates fantasy from chance‑based wagers.
- Supreme Court stance: The Supreme Court has repeatedly declined to disturb high court findings that fantasy sports are skill‑based. That does not equal a sweeping, one‑line nationwide declaration—but practically, it cements confidence in the skill doctrine.
A crucial nuance that experienced policy reporters repeat: don’t conflate fantasy with rummy or poker litigation. Different games, different fact patterns, and different judgments. Some rulings adverse to rummy or poker don’t apply to fantasy. The Dream11 model has survived direct scrutiny on its own merits.
What Dream11 users should know (practical implications)
- Joining contests: Location at the time of entry governs eligibility. You can have an old account from Delhi, but if you’re opening the app in Hyderabad, paid contests won’t unlock.
- KYC checks: PAN, bank details, and sometimes address verification are standard. If your KYC indicates a restricted state and your geolocation aligns, the app will restrict pay‑to‑play.
- Withdrawals: Dream11 allows withdrawals regardless of travel, subject to identity and tax checks. If the system flags location inconsistencies, you may be asked to re‑verify. Keep your KYC clean and your bank details updated.
- Traveling to a restricted state: You can browse, check scores, and manage your account, but you cannot join paid contests while physically there. Once you’re back in an allowed state, the restriction lifts automatically after geolocation refresh.
- Practice contests: Generally accessible, but the app may limit certain features in restricted states. Trust in‑app notices; they reflect the operator’s reading of local law.
- Tax and TDS: Fantasy sports winnings may attract TDS and must be reported as per the tax regime in force. Dream11 issues statements in the app. Keep records; taxes are a certainty, the toss isn’t.
- Device and network issues: Bad GPS or Wi‑Fi geolocation can mis‑flag location. Restart location services, step into open sky if you’re indoors, or switch from Wi‑Fi to mobile data. If the problem persists, in‑app support will ask for standard troubleshooting, but they cannot override statutory restrictions.
Comparison and related legality: Dream11 vs. other fantasy apps
- Dream11 vs My11Circle (and others): The major fantasy platforms follow the same legal map. If Dream11 restricts paid contests in a state, others almost always do the same, because the underlying laws apply to all operators. Differences you see across apps often reflect internal risk policy and licensing posture, not a different reading of the statute.
- Fantasy cricket vs other fantasy sports: Whether it’s cricket, football, kabaddi, or basketball, the legal reasoning is the same: does user skill dominate outcomes? Dream11’s core format keeps the skill DNA intact across sports.
State‑specific clarifications users ask most
Is Dream11 legal in Telangana?
No paid contests. Telangana’s amendments bring online stakes into prohibition. Dream11 marks Telangana as restricted.
Is Dream11 allowed in Andhra Pradesh?
No paid contests. Andhra Pradesh’s amendment extends prohibitions to online games played for money.
Is Dream11 banned in Assam?
Paid contests are restricted due to the state’s framework lacking a clear exemption for skill games played for stakes.
Dream11 in Odisha legal?
Paid contests are restricted. The state’s law does not provide a skill carve‑out for stake‑based play that platforms consider sufficient.
Dream11 Nagaland legal status
Paid contests are restricted on Dream11. Nagaland licenses online skill games; Dream11 does not offer paid contests there at this time.
Dream11 in Tamil Nadu legal
Dream11 operates paid contests. The prevailing framework targets games of chance; courts have treated fantasy as skill. Dream11’s availability reflects that.
Dream11 Karnataka status
Dream11 operates paid contests. A prior blanket ban was struck down; skill games are available.
Dream11 Sikkim allowed or banned
Paid contests are restricted. Sikkim’s regime is licensing‑oriented; Dream11 presently does not offer paid contests there.
Dream11 Maharashtra legal?
Yes, Dream11 operates paid contests. The law addresses gambling (chance). Fantasy sports is treated as skill.
Dream11 Gujarat legal?
Yes, Dream11 operates paid contests. Despite the state’s strict stance on gambling, fantasy as a skill contest is available.
Why Dream11 is banned in some states
- Because state legislatures chose to bar online money‑based play without distinguishing skill.
- Because certain states retained older laws that never contemplated online skill contests for money, creating legal ambiguity that operators avoid.
- Because some states require local licences or compliance frameworks that platforms may not adopt.
How Dream11 verifies location
- Combination of GPS, network‑based location, and device signals.
- The app triggers checks just before you enter a paid contest, and periodically refreshes while you’re active.
- Any mismatch or spoofing attempt trips security responses. Dream11 does not allow VPNs or other methods to bypass geolocation and will enforce account penalties for violations.
Dream11 KYC blocked due to location: what it means
- If your documents show a restricted‑state address while your device is also located there, the app will not allow paid joins.
- If you live in a restricted state but work in an allowed state, the app will use your real‑time location for contest entries. KYC must still clear identity and tax rules.
- When the system can’t confidently verify location or identity, it halts high‑risk actions by design. That protects you and the company.
Dream11 withdrawal issues in banned states
- You can place a withdrawal request regardless of travel, but if the system detects anomalies, it may pause until identity checks finish.
- Ensure your bank account name matches PAN and your KYC is complete. Most “blocked withdrawal” tickets I’ve seen over the years boiled down to mismatched names or unverified PAN, not legal prohibition.
Traveling to a banned state with a Dream11 account
- You won’t be able to enter paid contests while there.
- You can still see your teams, track points, and read match insights.
- The restriction lifts when you’re back in an allowed state and your app confirms location.
The legal backbone: skill vs chance and the Public Gambling framework
India’s legal system has long treated games of skill differently from gambling:
- The constitutional protection: Business activity around skill games is a legitimate trade. States can regulate, but cannot arbitrarily destroy the right to conduct a skill‑based business.
- The test courts apply: If a game’s success depends predominantly on skill—knowledge, training, attention, experience—it’s a skill game even if chance plays a minor role. Fantasy sports checks these boxes through team selection, player weighting, and the multiplicative effect of captain/vice‑captain choices.
- Why enforcement still varies: State powers are broad. If a state draws a prohibition that covers all online money games, the skill doctrine can be overridden locally unless a court intervenes. That’s why we see Dream11 restricted states even with favorable judgments elsewhere.
Real‑world expertise: how skill shows up in fantasy cricket
Law talks about “dominant skill.” Cricket fans feel it. In fantasy lineups, skill looks like:
- Reading the pitch: A black‑soil track in Ahmedabad vs a humid evening in Chennai calls for different XI balance. Pack top‑order batters on a used pitch? Not always—two‑paced wickets reward wrist‑spin and cutters, with late‑innings hitters who slog well through the line.
- Captaincy calls: Handing the captain’s multiplier to a middle‑over accumulator vs a powerplay enforcer changes your variance profile. Knowing when to chase ceiling vs floor is classic skill theory.
- Player roles and matchups: Left‑arm orthodox into a right‑hand‑heavy batting lineup is textbook; but if that lineup’s best players crush left spin, you pivot. Fantasy points reward recognizing that nuance early.
Courts have read these mechanics, not just the marketing. That’s why the skill doctrine around Dream11 has teeth.
Ethics, compliance, and what not to do
- Do not try VPNs, spoofing apps, or GPS hacks. It’s against Dream11’s terms and can lead to permanent account bans, fund freezes, and worse—legal trouble.
- Don’t use someone else’s PAN or bank account. KYC systems detect mismatches. Beyond app policy, identity fraud is a crime.
- Keep your responsible play toggles on. Set deposit limits and stick to them. Skill helps, but variance is baked into sport; bankroll sense is part of true mastery.
FAQs: clear, sourced, and to the point
Which states have banned Dream11?
Dream11 currently restricts paid contests in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, and Telangana. Check the Dream11 Help Center before you play; it’s the authoritative source for any last‑minute changes.
Is Dream11 legal in India?
Yes, fantasy sports on Dream11 are treated as games of skill and are legal in most of India. However, a handful of states restrict online real‑money play, and Dream11 blocks paid contests there.
Is Dream11 legal in Tamil Nadu?
Dream11 operates in Tamil Nadu. The prevailing framework targets games of chance; fantasy sports is widely recognized as a game of skill.
Is Dream11 legal in Karnataka?
Yes, Dream11 operates. A previous blanket ban was struck down by the high court, restoring room for online skill games.
What happens if I open Dream11 in a banned state?
You can access your account but cannot join paid contests. You’ll see a notice about restrictions based on your location.
Can I withdraw Dream11 winnings from a banned state?
You can place withdrawals subject to KYC and tax checks. If any anomaly is detected, expect a temporary hold until verification completes.
Are practice contests allowed in banned states?
Practice contests are typically allowed because they don’t involve stakes, but Dream11 may still limit some features to align with local rules. Rely on in‑app prompts.
Has the Supreme Court declared Dream11 legal?
The Supreme Court has repeatedly declined to disturb high court rulings that classify fantasy sports as games of skill. While that’s strong support, it isn’t a single‑line nationwide statute.
Fantasy sports banned states in India vs other games
Fantasy sports stands on a strong skill foundation. Some adverse rulings in rummy or poker cases don’t apply to fantasy because the mechanics and skill interplay differ.
Dream11 vs My11Circle legality
Both follow the same legal landscape. If Dream11 blocks a state, others usually do too.
Dream11 किन राज्यों में बैन है?
आंध्र प्रदेश, असम, नागालैंड, ओडिशा, सिक्किम और तेलंगाना में Dream11 के पेड कॉन्टेस्ट उपलब्ध नहीं हैं। अपडेट के लिए Dream11 हेल्प सेंटर देखें।
Staying current: how we monitor and update
- Official operator policy: Dream11 Help Center’s “Restricted States” page is the anchor.
- State notifications and gazettes: Particularly from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Odisha, Sikkim, and Nagaland.
- High court and Supreme Court orders: We track judgments and orders affecting online skill games.
- Industry briefings: Cross‑reading statements from fantasy industry bodies and legal advisories.
What changed in this update
- Re‑verified the restricted states list against Dream11 Help.
- Clarified status notes for Tamil Nadu and Karnataka based on operative court positions.
- Expanded practical guidance on KYC, withdrawals, and travel.
Source notes and further reading
- Dream11 Help Center: Restricted States and compliance policy.
- Varun Gumber v. UT Chandigarh (Punjab & Haryana High Court) — Fantasy sports recognized as a game of skill.
- Chandresh Sankhla v. State of Rajasthan (Rajasthan High Court) — Reinforced the skill doctrine for fantasy platforms.
- Telangana State Gaming (Amendment) law — Extended prohibitions to online stakes.
- Andhra Pradesh Gaming Amendment — Prohibition covering online games played for money.
- Assam Game and Betting Act; Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act — No explicit skill exemption for stake‑based play.
- Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling and Promotion and Regulation of Online Games of Skill; Sikkim Online Gaming framework — Licensing regimes affecting operator availability.
Editorial note on scope
This resource focuses on Dream11’s real‑money fantasy sports. It does not conflate fantasy with rummy/poker cases or chance‑based games. It does not cover circumvention methods and strongly advises against attempting any.
Final word from the field
I’ve covered fantasy sports since the first grand leagues felt like uncharted waters. I’ve watched customers learn the hard way that law isn’t a dropdown you can ignore. The takeaway is simple. Respect the map. Dream where it’s allowed. If your edge is real, it will show up in selection skill, not in sidestepping a geofence. And if your state opens up tomorrow, the app will be waiting—like a fresh pitch under morning light, ready for you to build from ball one.
About the reviewer
Reviewed by a technology policy reporter with a specialization in online skill gaming and sports business, with years on the fantasy beat, direct consultations with compliance teams, and a track record of citing primary court judgments and official notifications.
Last reviewed: November
