As the state of Haryana deliberates regulatory measures for fantasy sports and its innovative formats, the stakes extend far beyond its borders. The outcome of this policy conversation could set a powerful precedent for how India’s states approach emerging sectors of the digital economy and may ultimately influence India’s global standing as a destination for technology-driven innovation.
‘Fantasy sports and its innovative formats’ has transformed from a casual pastime into a key driver of India’s digital growth. Platforms offering games based on real-world sporting events now engage over 150 million users. Courts across India, including the Supreme Court, have consistently recognised fantasy sports as a skill-based activity, distinguishing it from gambling. This legal distinction has been foundational to the sector’s rapid rise.
In recent years,It has become a significant contributor to the Indian economy. It has attracted substantial domestic and international investment, generated tax revenues, and created employment opportunities across a spectrum of professions from software engineers and product designers to data scientists, legal experts, marketing professionals, and customer support teams. In cities like Gurugram, where tech-forward enterprises thrive, the sector has contributed to a robust digital ecosystem, fostering the growth of related industries such as analytics, payment infrastructure, and content production.
Yet despite the sector’s impressive growth, policy uncertainty persists. While judicial clarity exists at the national level, state-level regulations remain inconsistent and often ambiguous. In Haryana, recent discussions about fantasy sports gaming regulation have raised concerns within the startup and investor communities. Industry stakeholders warn that unclear or restrictive rules could lead to operational shifts, as companies seek more stable regulatory environments in other states.
This risk is not hypothetical. Similar regulatory uncertainty in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu prompted temporary bans on fantasy gaming, leading to legal challenges and operational disruptions. While these bans were eventually overturned, the resulting uncertainty forced several companies to reevaluate their regional presence, pause investment plans, and redirect innovation pipelines elsewhere. These decisions have long-term implications for employment, investor sentiment, and regional economic growth.
“When regulation lacks clarity or appears reactionary, businesses, especially those in emerging sectors, respond by becoming cautious,” said a policy researcher who advises early-stage tech startups. “Investors view such developments as risk signals, and startups begin looking for more predictable jurisdictions.”
This is particularly significant for India’s broader digital ambition. The central government has outlined a vision to build a $1 trillion digital economy by 2027. Achieving this goal will require supportive policy environments, not only from the central government but also across states. A fragmented or unpredictable regulatory framework risks undermining this ambition by disincentivising innovation, especially in high-growth, high-employment sectors like online gaming, esports, and blockchain-based entertainment.
The consequences of poor regulation extend beyond missed economic opportunities. They can also result in a brain drain of talent and capital. In today’s globalised tech economy, companies and professionals are increasingly mobile. If Indian states fail to offer innovation-friendly environments, startups may look to base themselves in countries or regions that do whether it be Dubai, Singapore, or other innovation hubs offering regulatory certainty.
Real money games such as fantasy sports, player stock fantasy, fantasy leagues and fantasy trading formats. Fantasy sports, in particular, sit at the intersection of multiple powerful trends: mobile-first consumer behaviour, real-time data analytics, gamification, and digital finance. Regulating this space responsibly offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate how governments can both protect consumers and encourage innovation. Several nations are currently watching how India navigates this terrain, recognising that it may shape international best practices in the years to come.
Furthermore, the sector supports not just tech professionals but an extended gig economy of content creators, influencers, fantasy analysts, and freelancers. Policy disruptions could hit these professionals hardest, particularly those who lack formal contracts or long-term job security. In India’s youthful workforce, where digital gigs represent a growing share of livelihoods, the ripple effects of such uncertainty are profound.
It’s worth noting that policy clarity doesn’t mean a lack of oversight. On the contrary, responsible regulation based on stakeholder consultations, clear definitions, and evidence-based policy design can ensure that consumer protections are upheld, addictive behaviours are mitigated, and fair play is enforced. However, these outcomes require thoughtful frameworks, not blanket restrictions or ad hoc decisions.
Haryana now has an opportunity to lead. The state can craft a regulatory model that balances innovation with accountability by engaging with industry stakeholders, legal experts, and technologists. Such a move could position it as a digital policy pioneer, much like how
Ultimately, the conversation around gaming regulation in Haryana is about more than just gaming. It is a test case for how Indian states choose to govern the industries of tomorrow. It reflects whether India can align its economic aspirations with a regulatory environment that fosters trust, stability, and innovation.
(Above mentioned article is a Consumer connect initiative, This article does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of News 24, and News 24 claims no responsibility whatsoever).
