Dream 11 suspends operation in karnataka

Bangalore Mail desk

Bangalore :Dream11, one of India’s most popular gaming apps, has suspended operations in the southern Indian state of Karnataka after a complaint was registered against its founders claiming it was in violation of a new state gambling law.

A case has been registered in Bengaluru, following a complaint by a 42-year-old cab driver who reported it as being operational after a ban on online games involving betting came into force.

Dream11, which provides a fantasy gaming platform for various sports, last year became India’s first gaming startup to be valued at over $1 billion. It has faced legal challenges in the past due to the similarities of fantasy gaming to gambling.

The state law, which came into effect last week, bans online games involving betting and wagering and “any act or risking money, or otherwise on the unknown result of an event including on a game of skill”.
‘Following the recent media coverage, our Karnataka users have expressed deep concerns and anxiety on their safety and security. In order to allay our users’ concerns, we have decided to suspend operations in Karnataka,’ Dream11 says in a statement

A Dream11 spokesperson said on Saturday that the company is examining its legal remedies, and added that “we are a responsible, law abiding company and will extend our full cooperation to any authorities”.