India’s recent ban on paid online games has severely impacted Mobile Premier League (MPL), one of the nation’s largest gaming platforms. The Bengaluru-based company announced it would reduce its workforce by approximately 60 percent, affecting around 300 employees, as the new regulations eliminated its primary revenue sources. MPL’s co-founder and CEO, Sai Srinivas, conveyed this decision in a heartfelt email to employees on Sunday. He noted that India had accounted for half of MPL’s total revenues, and with the ban enforced, “we would no longer be making any revenue from India in the near future.” The layoffs will touch various departments including marketing, operations, engineering, legal, and finance.
Although Srinivas indicated that the company would provide support during this transition, he did not detail the nature of that assistance. The Indian government’s recent decision, made earlier this month, prohibits all forms of online paid games, including fantasy sports, rummy, and poker, citing concerns over addiction and financial risks, especially for younger players. This ban has fundamentally changed the course of an industry expected to reach $3.6 billion by 2029. For MPL, the repercussions are immediate and drastic. Data from Pitchbook revealed that the company was valued at $2.3 billion in 2021 and had generated around $100 million in India last year; that revenue has now disappeared overnight.
Supported by Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India), MPL is anticipated to redirect its efforts towards international markets. The platform continues to offer free-to-play games in Europe and maintain paid gaming operations in the United States and Brazil. The effects extend beyond MPL, with Dream11, India’s leading fantasy sports platform valued at $8 billion, already halting its fantasy cricket operations. Other poker and rummy services have ceased, leaving many employees and users in uncertainty. Industry advocates argue that fantasy sports and skill-based card games should not be classified as gambling, which has faced restrictions in India for years. They assert that these games rely on skill rather than chance and should be governed by a distinct regulatory framework.
However, not all companies are withdrawing; gaming firm A23 has initiated a legal challenge against the government’s ban, becoming the first to contest the issue in court. Meanwhile, MPL and Dream11 have opted not to pursue legal action and are preparing for a full pivot away from the Indian market. For many employees at MPL and similar companies, the new policy signifies sudden job losses and an unpredictable future. For the broader industry, this represents a significant disruption, compelling firms to reevaluate strategies, reduce expenses, and explore opportunities overseas.