The new fantasy game advert, featuring Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah in an opulent, high-end setting, perfectly blends humor with an underlying message about the state of India’s online gaming landscape. The playful exchange — Pandya asking, "Tu kis ki team join karega?" and Bumrah replying with a defeated "Is se toh acha mai retire ho jayun" — reflects more than just friendly banter. It symbolizes the growing frustration legitimate gaming platforms face as illegal offshore betting operators continue to infiltrate the market, undercutting businesses, evading taxes, and exploiting unsuspecting users.
The timing of this ad is no coincidence. With the IPL — arguably the most-watched and passionately followed cricket tournament in India — just around the corner, fantasy sports are once again becoming the centerpiece of digital entertainment. Cricket isn’t just a sport in India; it’s a deeply rooted part of the country’s culture and collective identity. Fantasy platforms have capitalized on this passion, giving fans a way to engage with the game beyond passive viewership. They offer a skill-based, immersive experience where users can build their dream teams, compete with friends, and test their cricketing knowledge — all in a regulated, responsible environment.
But this rapidly expanding industry is under threat. India’s underground betting market, estimated at a colossal ₹8.2 lakh crore ($100 billion) annually, is siphoning off potential tax revenue exceeding ₹2 lakh crore ($24 billion) every year. These illegal operators dodge taxes, skirt regulations, and operate in the shadows of the digital economy — creating a dual crisis of economic loss and consumer vulnerability.
The financial drain, while massive, is only part of the problem. These unregulated betting platforms often double as conduits for money laundering, moving funds through hidden, non-compliant channels. Moreover, they lack even basic data protection measures, leaving users exposed to financial fraud, identity theft, and data breaches. The marketing tactics used by these operators are equally predatory — relying on aggressive advertising, exaggerated promises, and influencer endorsements to blur the line between legitimate gaming and unlawful betting. For users enticed by the prospect of easy winnings, the reality is far bleaker: no legal recourse, no protection, and no way to recover losses.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) introduced the Online Gaming Rules last year — a landmark move to differentiate between skill-based games like fantasy sports and chance-based betting and gambling. This distinction is crucial, allowing the domestic gaming industry to grow under a clear, legal framework. However, regulation alone isn’t enough. The rules need teeth — strong enforcement to ensure illegal operators are driven out of the market.
Despite clear directives from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) prohibiting promotions of offshore betting platforms, these operators continue to advertise relentlessly. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has repeatedly flagged influencers and media platforms promoting such illegal sites, misleading audiences. It’s a vicious cycle: the more these platforms advertise, the more users they attract, and the more money flows out of the regulated economy.
A dedicated regulatory body — established by the government or in collaboration with industry leaders — is essential to breaking this cycle. Such a body could oversee enforcement, ensure compliance, and block illegal platforms by cutting off their access to payment gateways and Internet service providers (ISPs). It could also spearhead public awareness campaigns, educating users about the dangers of illegal betting and the safety of legitimate platforms. Without these interventions, the cost to India will extend far beyond lost revenue. It will undermine financial security, fuel cybercrime, and erode public trust — not just in digital platforms, but in the sporting events Indians hold dear.
The fantasy game advert cleverly masks this serious issue with humor and star power. It’s not just a light-hearted commercial — it’s a call to action. Bumrah’s joking resignation, "Is se toh acha mai retire ho jayun," mirrors the reality many legitimate platforms face, battling for visibility and credibility against unregulated giants.
In a country where cricket isn’t just a game but an emotion, fantasy sports offer a responsible, engaging way for fans to participate. The last thing anyone wants is for real gamers — or cricket lovers — to feel driven to "retire hurt." The message is clear: India’s digital economy is on an unstoppable rise, and for the legitimate gaming industry to thrive alongside it, regulatory guardrails must rise just as quickly. Only then can the true spirit of fantasy sports — skill, strategy, and passion — shine through without being tainted by the shadow of illegal betting.
