MPL to Cut 60% of India Workforce Following Paid Gaming Ban

Mobile Premier League (MPL), one of India’s largest online gaming platforms, is set to lay off about 60% of its domestic workforce after the government’s decision to ban money-based online games. A company insider revealed the downsizing move, marking one of the first major industry responses to the new regulation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration recently prohibited paid gaming platforms, citing risks of addiction and financial harm among young users. The ban has led to the suspension of popular offerings such as fantasy cricket, rummy, and poker on multiple gaming apps.

The abrupt regulatory move has sent shockwaves across India’s gaming sector, which was projected to grow into a USD 3.6 billion market by 2029. Venture capital-backed firms like Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners had invested heavily in the industry. Platforms such as MPL and Dream11 had become household names by offering skill-based paid fantasy sports that rewarded winners with cash prizes.

While industry leaders argue these games are based on skill rather than chance and therefore distinct from gambling—which is heavily restricted in India—the new law has dramatically altered the business landscape.

According to the company source, MPL will reduce its India workforce from around 500 to roughly 200 employees, impacting departments such as marketing, finance, operations, engineering, and legal. The shift comes as the company pivots to free-to-play games and expands operations in the United States.

In an internal email reviewed by Reuters, MPL CEO Sai Srinivas wrote, “With a heavy heart we have decided that we will be downsizing our India Team significantly.” He assured employees that support measures would be provided during the transition but confirmed that the company expects zero near-term revenue from its Indian operations, which previously accounted for 50% of MPL’s income.

Backed by Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India), MPL reached a valuation of USD 2.3 billion in 2021, according to Pitchbook. The company currently offers free-to-play titles in Europe and continues paid gaming operations in the US and Brazil.

Industry reports suggest MPL’s India revenue last year was approximately USD 100 million. Rival Dream11, valued at USD 8 billion, has also halted its fantasy cricket offering. Several other platforms hosting paid poker and rummy have followed suit.

Meanwhile, A23, another major player in the Indian gaming sector, has challenged the government ban in court. MPL and Dream11, however, have opted not to pursue legal action.