Haryana has registered its first FIR under the newly enacted Prevention of Public Gambling Act, 2025, targeting fantasy sports platform Sportasy, operated by Blossomfield Gamingzone Pvt Ltd. The complaint, filed by a resident of Naharpur, marks the beginning of a legal crackdown on fantasy gaming and opinion trading platforms operating without state-level recognition.
The revised law, notified in May, broadens the definition of gambling to include fantasy sports and opinion trading unless they are explicitly recognised as "games of skill" by the state under Sections 2(g) and 16. This puts several major players—such as Dream11, My11Circle, MyTeam11, and SportsBaazi—at legal risk despite prior court rulings classifying fantasy sports as skill-based.
While MPL has already suspended operations in Haryana, other platforms continue to operate amid increasing regulatory uncertainty. Legal experts warn that companies without state validation could face FIRs, criminal proceedings, asset freezes, and business disruptions.
Authorities have already taken decisive action in related sectors. In May, Gurugram Police froze over ₹100 crore linked to opinion trading platform Probo. The matter, currently under judicial review, will be heard again by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on June 12.
This FIR against Sportasy signals a new era of scrutiny for real-money gaming platforms in Haryana, with broader implications for the entire industry.
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