Guide: dream 11 banned states — Updated November

Last reviewed: November

Editor’s note: This legal status guide is maintained as an evergreen resource. It is subject to change whenever a state law, court order, or Dream11 policy is updated. Always check Dream11’s official eligibility page and terms before entering paid contests.

Quick answer

• Paid Dream11 cash contests are currently not permitted for users located in:
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Assam
  • Nagaland
  • Odisha
  • Sikkim
  • Telangana
• Free-to-play features may be visible in some of these regions, but cash contests remain unavailable while local restrictions apply.
• Official source: Dream11 Terms and the Dream11 Help Center eligibility article.

Picture a Friday-night double-header. The toss goes the other way, dew is forecast, and you’ve just swapped a heavy-hitter for a wrist-spinner when the app blinks: “Cash contests are not available in your location.” If you’re a regular fantasy sports player, you’ve likely felt that jolt. The pivot from form, matchups, and captain percentages to legalese and state boundaries is jarring—yet it’s central to how fantasy sports works in India. Dream11 is legal in most of the country because courts have repeatedly recognized fantasy sports as a game of skill. But some states follow their own prohibitions or licensing regimes. Operators must comply, or they don’t operate.

I’ve covered this beat from the vantage point of a fantasy-sports lifer—reading court orders between innings, speaking to compliance officers, and tracking the zig-zag of policies that change faster than a death-overs field. This guide distills that moving target into a state-by-state picture you can rely on, with sources and practical answers for the most common hurdles users face.

Is Dream11 legal in India? The short version

• National standing: Multiple Indian High Courts have held that fantasy sports contests offered by Dream11 are games of skill, protected by constitutional freedoms. The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with these findings in several challenges, which gives the rulings finality for the parties and persuasive weight nationally.
• State variations: Gambling is regulated at the state level. Where a state prohibits or tightly licenses real-money online games, Dream11 restricts paid contests to follow the law.
• Net result: Dream11 cash contests are accessible in most states and union territories, with a small number of restricted states listed at the top of this article.

Authoritative references

• Dream11 Terms of Service and eligibility policy: https://www.dream11.com/terms
• Dream11 Help Center on restricted states: https://help.dream11.com
• Game-of-skill jurisprudence:
  • Varun Gumber v. UT Chandigarh (Punjab & Haryana High Court)
  • Chandresh Sankhla v. State of Rajasthan (Rajasthan High Court)
  • Gurdeep Singh Sachar v. Union of India (Bombay High Court)
  • Supreme Court orders dismissing challenges against these decisions

Dream11 restricted states: the definitive list and why they’re restricted

Dream11 banned states (paid contests unavailable)

• Andhra Pradesh
• Assam
• Nagaland
• Odisha
• Sikkim
• Telangana

Why these are on the Dream11 ban list

• Andhra Pradesh and Telangana enacted prohibitions that include online games played for stakes. Operators, including Dream11, restrict access to avoid non-compliance.
• Assam and Odisha retain gambling statutes without a clear, modern “game of skill” carve-out for online monetary contests; operators generally refrain from offering paid fantasy there.
• Nagaland regulates “online games of skill” through a licensing regime. Some fantasy operators have sought licenses; Dream11 historically has not offered paid contests to users located there.
• Sikkim regulates online gaming through a framework that does not practically enable pan-India offerings; operators commonly restrict users physically located within Sikkim from entering paid contests.

State-by-state status at a glance

What follows is the most practical way to check your status: find your state and read the note. The table focuses on whether Dream11’s cash contests are broadly allowed or restricted for users located in that state. For precise, current eligibility, rely on Dream11’s in-app checks and official terms.

Table: Dream11 allowed states list versus restricted states

Andhra Pradesh:

Restricted. State law prohibits online games for stakes. See state gaming prohibition amendments.

Arunachal Pradesh:

Allowed. No widely-applied prohibition on fantasy sports; Dream11 cash contests generally available.

Assam:

Restricted. State law lacks a clear skill exception for monetary games; operators restrict.

Bihar:

Allowed. No state-specific online fantasy ban noted; access commonly available.

Chandigarh:

Allowed. P&H High Court in Varun Gumber recognized fantasy as skill; Dream11 available.

Chhattisgarh:

Allowed. No state ban targeting fantasy sports; access generally available.

Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu:

Allowed. No specific prohibition noted; access generally available.

Delhi:

Allowed. High Court jurisprudence supports skill-games; Dream11 accessible.

Goa:

Allowed. State casinos do not affect fantasy sports legality; no fantasy-specific prohibition.

Gujarat:

Allowed. While gambling penalties are stricter, fantasy sports as skill games generally available; operators offer contests.

Haryana:

Allowed. Aligned with P&H High Court position; Dream11 available.

Himachal Pradesh:

Allowed. No specific prohibition on fantasy sports.

Jammu & Kashmir:

Allowed. Operators, including Dream11, generally offer fantasy contests.

Jharkhand:

Allowed. No blanket ban on fantasy sports.

Karnataka:

Allowed. A prior online-gaming ban was struck down; fantasy contests resumed.

Kerala:

Allowed. Earlier restrictions targeted rummy; fantasy sports remain accessible.

Ladakh:

Allowed. No unique prohibition; access generally available.

Lakshadweep:

Allowed. No unique prohibition; access generally available.

Madhya Pradesh:

Allowed. No fantasy-specific ban; Dream11 active.

Maharashtra:

Allowed. Dream11 available statewide.

Manipur:

Allowed. No specific fantasy ban noted.

Meghalaya:

Allowed. A licensing framework for online gaming exists; fantasy contests commonly accessible.

Mizoram:

Allowed. No fantasy-specific prohibition applicable.

Nagaland:

Restricted. Licensing-driven regime; Dream11 not offering paid contests.

Odisha:

Restricted. Older gambling statute without modern skill exception; operators restrict.

Puducherry:

Allowed. No fantasy-specific prohibition.

Punjab:

Allowed. P&H High Court precedent applies; Dream11 accessible.

Rajasthan:

Allowed. High Court recognized fantasy skill; Dream11 accessible.

Sikkim:

Restricted. Regulatory regime not structured for general online fantasy with stakes; operators restrict.

Tamil Nadu:

Allowed. The earlier blanket prohibition on online games was struck down; current framework targets games of chance. Fantasy contests available.

Telangana:

Restricted. State prohibits online gaming for stakes; Dream11 restricts.

Tripura:

Allowed. No fantasy-specific prohibition.

Uttar Pradesh:

Allowed. No fantasy-specific prohibition.

Uttarakhand:

Allowed. No fantasy-specific prohibition.

West Bengal:

Allowed. Operators provide fantasy contests; no fantasy-specific prohibition.

Citations and primary sources

• Dream11 eligibility policy: https://help.dream11.com
• Telangana Gaming (Amendment) statute (state portal)
• Andhra Pradesh Gaming prohibition notifications (state portal)
• Assam Game and Betting statute (state law portal)
• Odisha Prevention of Gambling statute (state law portal)
• Nagaland Online Games of Skill statute (state law portal)
• Sikkim Online Gaming statute and rules (state law portal)
• High Court decisions on fantasy sports: P&H, Rajasthan, Bombay; Supreme Court orders refusing interference

Note on access checks: Dream11 enforces location restrictions through IP/KYC/GPS checks. If you are located inside a restricted state—even as a visitor—you will not be able to join paid contests.

Deep dive: Major states, legal notes, and on-the-ground reality

Is Dream11 legal in Andhra Pradesh?

Status: Paid contests restricted.

Background: Andhra Pradesh introduced prohibitions covering online games for stakes. The amendments expanded the scope of “gaming” to include online formats. In practice, operators like Dream11 avoid offering paid fantasy sports within the state, even though courts elsewhere classify fantasy contests as skill. Because state police powers govern gambling, Dream11’s compliance posture follows the stricter state line.

What this means for users: If you’re physically in Andhra Pradesh, the app will not let you enter paid contests. Free-to-play or viewing features may still be visible. KYC verification that flags your location will keep paid contests disabled.

Is Dream11 legal in Telangana?

Status: Paid contests restricted.

Background: Telangana’s amendments similarly expanded the definition of gaming and explicitly barred online games for stakes. Even though fantasy sports has been called a game of skill elsewhere, Telangana’s legislative text and enforcement stance prompted major operators to withdraw paid offerings.

What this means for users: Location checks disable paid contests in Telangana. Moving across the state border makes a difference, because eligibility is tied to where you are physically located at the time of entry.

Is Dream11 legal in Assam?

Status: Paid contests restricted.

Background: Assam’s gambling statute predates modern online formats and does not carve out a clear exception for monetary games of skill. Until a legislative update or a court clarifies the scope for fantasy sports with entry fees, most operators err on the side of caution and restrict paid play.

What this means for users: If you’re in Assam, expect “not available in your state” messages for cash contests. The restriction triggers on your location, not just your registered address.

Is Dream11 legal in Odisha?

Status: Paid contests restricted.

Background: Odisha’s statute similarly lacks a contemporary skill-based exception for online monetary contests. Operators consequently restrict paid fantasy sports inside the state.

What this means for users: Paid contests are disabled inside Odisha. Free features may still be accessible.

Is Dream11 legal in Nagaland?

Status: Paid contests restricted.

Background: Nagaland created a licensing framework for “online games of skill.” In theory, fantasy sports can operate with a license and compliance with local rules. In practice, Dream11 historically has not offered paid contests to users located in Nagaland, likely due to the complexity of licensing and operational constraints.

What this means for users: If you’re physically in Nagaland, the app will show paid contests as unavailable. This is a licensing-driven restriction rather than a blanket ban categorizing fantasy as chance.

Is Dream11 legal in Sikkim?

Status: Paid contests restricted.

Background: Sikkim’s online gaming framework works through a regulated intranet-style system and licensing, which does not align with pan-India real-money fantasy contests. Most fantasy operators restrict paid entry in Sikkim.

What this means for users: Paid Dream11 contests are blocked within Sikkim. The restriction is geographic and compliance-driven.

What about Tamil Nadu and Karnataka?

Tamil Nadu

• Status: Allowed.
• Narrative: The state once passed a sweeping prohibition covering several online games. The Madras High Court struck down that blanket law, observing that games of skill cannot be equated with gambling. A revised framework now targets online gambling and games of chance; fantasy sports continue to operate. Dream11 paid contests are generally available to users in Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka

• Status: Allowed.
• Narrative: Karnataka once enacted a broad prohibition on online games for stakes. The High Court struck it down, and operators, including Dream11, resumed services. Fantasy sports are available statewide.

Other major states (fast notes)

• Maharashtra: Allowed. Dream11 widely available.
• Gujarat: Allowed. Despite tough gambling provisions, operators treat fantasy as skill and offer contests.
• West Bengal: Allowed. No fantasy-specific prohibition; Dream11 contests available.
• Delhi: Allowed. Dream11 contests available.
• Uttar Pradesh: Allowed. Dream11 available statewide.
• Rajasthan: Allowed. High Court precedent; Dream11 available.
• Punjab and Haryana: Allowed. Strong High Court precedent; Dream11 available.
• Kerala: Allowed. Restrictions in the state focused on other games; fantasy contests are live.
• Meghalaya: Allowed. Licensing environment exists; Dream11 accessible.
• Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh: Allowed. Dream11 typically provides paid fantasy contests.

The legal spine of fantasy sports in India: skill versus chance

If you watch a lot of cricket, you know that picking a fantasy XI is less about luck and more about reading the game—surface hardness versus grass cover, wind drift for finger-spinners, strike rotation against left-arm orthodox, how a captain uses his sixth bowler, and whether the matchup is fresh or a return fixture. Courts recognized that, albeit in legal language rather than mid-over analysis.

Key rulings and what they say

• Punjab & Haryana High Court (Varun Gumber): Held that Dream11’s fantasy format is a game of skill where success requires significant knowledge, judgment, and attention. The Court noted that the element of chance does not override the predominance of skill.
• Rajasthan High Court (Chandresh Sankhla): Concurred with the skill game analysis for Dream11 fantasy contests.
• Bombay High Court (Gurdeep Singh Sachar): Addressed the nature of fantasy sports in the context of tax and gambling allegations, recognizing the skill component.
• Supreme Court: Declined to interfere with the High Court findings in multiple petitions. While not a detailed, reasoned judgment on merits, these orders gave practical finality to the view that fantasy contests, as structured by Dream11, are games of skill.

Why states still matter

The Constitution allows states to regulate gambling within their territories. Even a game of skill can be constrained by state laws if those laws target online stakes in specific ways or rely on licensing frameworks that operators do not use. That’s why you can build a perfect late swap and still see the app block paid entry when you are in one of the restricted states listed earlier.

Timeline of state-level changes that shaped the Dream11 ban list

Note: The following timeline captures inflection points. The months are indicative; consult the citations and Dream11’s official page for precise effective dates.

• July–August: Telangana expands “gaming” to include online stakes; operators withdraw paid fantasy contests for users located in the state.
• October: Andhra Pradesh introduces prohibitions on online gaming for stakes; paid fantasy contests disabled for AP users.
• March–April: Tamil Nadu passes a broad prohibition covering several online games; later struck down by the Madras High Court.
• September: Karnataka passes an online gaming prohibition; later struck down by the High Court; fantasy contests resume.
• Throughout: Assam and Odisha continue with older statutes lacking a skill exception for online monetary contests; operators maintain restrictions.
• Various months: Nagaland and Sikkim maintain licensing regimes; Dream11 continues to restrict paid entry for users located in these states.

For legal notices and operator updates, cross-check:

• Dream11 Help Center and Terms
• State gazettes and official law portals
• High Court and Supreme Court cause lists and orders

How Dream11 enforces restricted states—and why your app sometimes says “not available”

This is where the rubber meets the outfield. Dream11 combines several compliance checks to make sure it doesn’t offer paid contests where it shouldn’t.

What the app checks

• GPS/IP-based location: Your physical location when you try to join a paid contest.
• KYC information: Proof of identity and address. Even if your permanent address is in an allowed state, your current physical location can still block entry.
• Payment rails and withdrawals: Compliance screening on deposits and withdrawals to flagged geographies.

Common user messages and what they mean

• “Cash contests not available in your location”: You’re physically inside a restricted state. Move outside the state, and the restriction lifts automatically.
• “Dream11 location restricted”: The app detects that your GPS or IP indicates a restricted area. Check location permissions. If you’re traveling in a restricted state, you will not be able to play cash contests.
• “Verification failed due to state restriction”: During KYC, your location or documents indicate a restricted state. You can still use the account once you’re in an allowed location, but paid contest entry won’t work while you’re in the restricted state.
• “Blocked in my area”: Sometimes local network routing can briefly misplace your IP geolocation. Ensure GPS is on and accurate. If you are indeed inside a restricted state, the block will stay.

Important compliance note

Dream11 explicitly discourages any attempt to bypass geographic restrictions. Using VPNs, fake addresses, or other circumvention methods can lead to account suspension, forfeiture of winnings, and potential legal consequences. The platform’s policies are designed to respect the law, and users are expected to do the same.

Penalties and risks: what happens if you try to play in banned states

• Operator risk: Companies face legal action, fines, and criminal exposure if they offer services in defiance of state law.
• User exposure: Some state statutes make participation in prohibited gaming activities an offense, which could expose players to penalties. Whether or not enforcement targets individuals, you do not want to test the margins here.
• Platform action: Violations can trigger account holds, cancellation of contest entries, and withholding of balances per the platform’s terms.

Practical advice from the trenches

• Don’t enter paid contests when traveling to a restricted state. Even if you planned selections earlier, the final join action checks your live location.
• Keep KYC details accurate. If you relocate to an allowed state, re-verify as needed.
• Read the in-app eligibility pop-ups. They are not boilerplate; they tell you exactly what’s allowed where you stand.

Dream11 court rulings, explained like a cricket analyst

Think of the courts as third umpires reviewing an LBW decision—not whether the ball hit the pads (it did), but whether it would have hit the stumps. The legal question is: does skill dominate chance in fantasy contests? Courts replayed the delivery, measured the skill factors—squad selection, pitching conditions, matchups, and probabilistic analysis—and concluded the ball was clipping the top of middle: skill predominates.

Highlights from the case law

• Identifying skill: Courts emphasized that participants must evaluate player form, pitch, weather, head-to-head tendencies, venue bias, and likely batting order to build a competitive lineup.
• Money doesn’t convert skill to chance: Paying an entry fee doesn’t turn a skill contest into gambling. The structure of the contest matters more than the presence of stakes.
• Tax and legality are distinct: Questions around tax treatment do not equal a finding of gambling. Courts kept these lines clear.
• Supreme Court stance: Dismissing challenges to High Court rulings allowed those pro-skill findings to stand. While not a sweeping pan-India pronouncement, the practical effect is decisive for how operators build compliance.

Why states still matter

The Constitution allows states to regulate gambling within their territories. Even a game of skill can be constrained by state laws if those laws target online stakes in specific ways or rely on licensing frameworks that operators do not use. That’s why you can build a perfect late swap and still see the app block paid entry when you are in one of the restricted states listed earlier.

The sports side of skill: real decisions fantasy managers make

From a cricketing purist’s angle, fantasy performance lives in the margins:

• Reading surfaces: On a cracked red-soil deck in the afternoon heat, finger spin might grip. Under lights on a green tinge, swing is back in play.
• Role clarity: A bowling all-rounder slotted at seven in a chasing side might bowl fewer overs in a high-scoring venue. Conversely, a utility batter promoted to four in a slow-chasing team can rack up anchor points.
• Matchups, not averages: A left-arm spinner might historically pin a right-hand dominant middle order, but if the side stacks lefties, your pick’s ceiling drops.
• Toss volatility and risk allocation: Flexing captaincy on a bowler in a dry northern venue can outperform default batter choices if you read the dew incorrectly and adjust your risk bands.

Courts noticed this complexity. Regulators recognize it too. That’s why the legality question isn’t philosophical—it’s empirical. Skill shows up in the data.

UX and troubleshooting: when Dream11 won’t let you play

“Cash contests not available” in an allowed state

• Check your device location settings. Ensure high-accuracy GPS is on.
• Disable battery optimizations that throttle GPS.
• Switch to a reliable network; some Wi-Fi endpoints geo-route traffic oddly.

If the state is allowed and you are physically there, the block is usually a temporary location mismatch. If you’re near a state border, move deeper into the allowed state and retry.

KYC and restricted states

• If your documents show a restricted state but you currently live in an allowed state, complete KYC and ensure the app picks up your current location when you enter contests.
• If you’re visiting a restricted state, you won’t be able to join paid contests until you leave that state, regardless of your KYC address.

Tourists and business travelers

Eligibility is based on where you are when you try to enter a paid contest. Tourists in restricted states cannot join cash contests. Once you’re back in an allowed location, access resumes.

VPNs and work devices

Company VPNs can route your traffic through restricted regions or foreign endpoints. Disconnect corporate VPNs when using the app. Never use VPNs to fake locations; it violates policy and can get your account blocked.

Taxes and compliance: quick orientation

• Winnings from fantasy sports are taxable. Dream11 applies tax deduction at source where mandated, issues the relevant statements inside your account, and provides reporting utilities.
• Keep PAN and bank details updated. Mismatched information can delay withdrawals or trigger compliance holds.
• Tax rules evolve. For exact treatment of winnings, consult a tax professional. Dream11’s help resources outline current product-level tax flows.

Comparing legality across fantasy platforms

Many users ask whether Dream11’s restricted states differ from other fantasy cricket platforms like MPL, My11Circle, Howzat, or Gamezy. While each platform makes its own legal determinations, the broad pattern is similar: most operators avoid paid contests in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, and Telangana. Differences may appear in states with licensing regimes; always check the specific platform’s eligibility page.

Related reading to build topical understanding

• Is fantasy cricket legal in India? Game-of-skill overview and case law.
• MPL/My11Circle banned states comparison.
• How online rummy/gaming bans differ from fantasy sports rules.
• Tax on fantasy winnings and how TDS applies on-platform.

A cartographer’s note: mapping Dream11 banned states

For readers who think visually, a clean map helps. If you create one for personal reference or team briefs:

• Color code restricted states: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Telangana.
• Add a legend for “restricted,” “allowed,” and “licensed/conditional.”
• Alt text for accessibility: dream11 banned states map india.
• Keep the image caption updated in tandem with this hub.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Which states have banned Dream11?

A: Dream11 does not permit paid cash contests for users located in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, and Telangana. Always confirm on the Dream11 Help Center for the latest status.

Q: Why is Dream11 banned in some states?

A: State laws in those regions prohibit or tightly regulate online games for stakes, or they lack a clear skill-based exception for monetary contests. Dream11 restricts access to comply with these state-specific rules.

Q: Is Dream11 gambling or a game of skill?

A: Indian High Courts have held that Dream11 fantasy contests are games of skill. The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with these findings in multiple challenges. However, state gambling laws still control whether paid contests can operate locally.

Q: Can tourists play Dream11 while visiting a banned state?

A: No. Eligibility is determined by your live location at the time of joining a paid contest. If you are physically in a restricted state, you cannot enter cash contests.

Q: Does Dream11 work with VPNs?

A: Dream11 discourages any attempt to bypass location restrictions. Using VPNs or falsifying location can violate the platform’s terms, lead to account actions, and create legal risk.

Q: What are the penalties for playing in banned states?

A: Penalties vary by state. Some laws impose liability on participants, others focus on operators. In all cases, attempting to play cash contests in a restricted state violates Dream11’s terms and can result in account and prize forfeiture.

Q: How can I check if Dream11 is legal in my state?

A: Open the Dream11 app and attempt to join a paid contest; if you’re in a restricted location, the app will block you. Also consult the official Dream11 Help Center and terms for a published list of restricted states.

Q: Has the Supreme Court declared Dream11 legal?

A: The Supreme Court has dismissed challenges to High Court decisions that recognized fantasy sports as games of skill. While not a single, comprehensive pronouncement, the effect supports the legality of fantasy sports contests as skill-based.

Q: Is Dream11 banned in India?

A: No. Dream11 operates in most of India. Paid contests are restricted in a limited set of states for compliance with local law.

Q: What should I do if Dream11 says “location restricted” but I’m in an allowed state?

A: Ensure GPS is enabled and accurate, try a different network, and move away from state borders if you’re close. If the issue persists, contact Dream11 support with diagnostic details.

Editorial standards, sourcing, and how we keep this hub current

• Primary sources: We cite state gazettes, court orders, and Dream11’s own terms and help articles.
• Legal review: This page is periodically reviewed with input from practitioners who work on gaming and technology law.
• Change tracking: We maintain internal notes on state amendments, judicial orders, and operator policy changes. When something shifts, we update the “Last reviewed” note at the top and revise the state list immediately.
• Neutrality: We do not advise on bypassing restrictions. Our goal is to present an accurate, responsible picture to help users stay compliant.

Responsible play and practical ethics

Skill thrives with discipline. Set budgets, take breaks, and keep perspective. If a restriction applies where you’re located, respect it. The fairness of the larger ecosystem depends on everyone—users, operators, and regulators—playing within the rules. In cricketing terms: hold your line, play late, and know when to leave.

Citations and further reading

• Dream11 Terms and eligibility: https://www.dream11.com/terms and https://help.dream11.com
• Fantasy sports jurisprudence:
  • Varun Gumber v. UT Chandigarh (P&H High Court)
  • Chandresh Sankhla v. State of Rajasthan (Rajasthan High Court)
  • Gurdeep Singh Sachar v. Union of India (Bombay High Court)
  • Supreme Court orders dismissing challenges (official portal)
• State law portals:
  • Telangana Gaming (Amendment) statute
  • Andhra Pradesh gaming prohibition notifications
  • Assam Game and Betting statute
  • Odisha Prevention of Gambling statute
  • Nagaland Online Games of Skill statute
  • Sikkim Online Gaming statute and rules

Closing thoughts

The legality of fantasy sports in India is a study in balance: national jurisprudence recognizing skill, state laws guarding against gambling harms, and operators engineering compliance into the product itself. For Dream11, the conclusion is clear and stable across most of the map: fantasy is a game of skill and generally allowed. For the restricted pockets, it’s equally clear: the boundary rope is painted by state law, and the platform stays behind it.

So build your squads with care, track those matchups, and let skill do its quiet work—just make sure you’re standing in the right state when you tap “Join.”