Dream 11 is India’s leading fantasy sports platform, allowing users to create virtual teams of real-life players and earn points based on actual match performances. With over 220 million users as of early 2025, Dream 11 has redefined the fantasy gaming ecosystem in India. From a niche digital hobby to a mainstream phenomenon, Dream 11 has not only captured user attention but also established a scalable and profitable business model.
In this article, we’ll break down Dream11’s business model, explore how it earns revenue, examine its current financial status, assess the feasibility of earning money from the app, and make a probable projection for where it could be by 2030.
Understanding the Business Model of Dream11
Dream 11 operates on a freemium model, providing both free-to-play and pay-to-play contests. While users can participate in free contests for fun or minor prizes, the real engine of revenue lies in the paid contests.
1. Entry Fees and Platform Commission
The heart of Dream11’s revenue model is user entry fees. In paid contests, users deposit money to participate in leagues and competitions. A portion of the total pool is distributed among winners, while Dream11 keeps a cut as platform commission.
Typically, Dream11 charges 15% to 25% commission from each contest pool. For instance, if 100,000 users participate in a contest with an entry fee of INR10, the total pool becomes INR 1,000,000. Dream11 may take around INR 1,50,000 to INR 2,50,000 as commission before distributing the remaining prize money.
This simple yet scalable model becomes extremely profitable with high-volume user participation.
2. Sponsorships and Strategic Partnerships
Dream11 has inked major sponsorship deals over the years. Notably:
- It was the title sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2020.
- It has partnered with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and other international cricket leagues.
- Dream11 also sponsors football, kabaddi, and basketball leagues.
These partnerships serve a dual purpose:
- Boost Brand Visibility
- Create Exclusive Engagement Opportunities for fantasy players
3. In-app advertising and Brand Promotions
Dream11 has gradually opened up avenues for in-app brand promotions. It collaborates with various brands and advertisers to promote products through native ads and sponsored leagues. With a large and engaged user base, this acts as a solid secondary stream of income.
4. Cross-promotion of Other Apps
Dream11 is a part of Dream Sports, which has launched multiple verticals:
- FanCode (sports content and merchandise)
- DreamPay (payments and wallet services)
- DreamSetGo (sports travel packages)
Cross-promotion allows Dream11 to divert users into its broader ecosystem and monetize them through multiple touchpoints.
Can We Earn Money from Dream11?
The short answer is Yes, but it depends.
Here’s how to earn money from fantasy cricket:
- Join Paid Contests: Choose from a variety of leagues based on match types.
- Create a Winning Team: You earn points based on your selected players’ real-life performances.
- Rank Higher, Earn More: The higher your rank, the larger your cut from the prize pool.
But here’s the catch:
- It’s a skill-based game – not purely luck.
- You must follow team news, pitch reports, player stats, and match conditions.
- It also comes with risks. Many users lose more than they win.
So, while it’s possible to earn money in Dream11 cricket, it shouldn’t be considered a stable income source. Responsible play and strategy are essential.
Current Status of Dream11’s Business (2023-2025 Overview)
Dream11’s parent company, Sporta Technologies, has been financially thriving in recent years.
Key Financial Highlights (FY2023):
- Revenue: INR 6,384 crore
- Profit After Tax: INR 188 crore
- Growth Rate: 66% YoY revenue growth, 32% PAT growth
- Expenses: Heavy investments in advertising, user engagement, and employee welfare
These numbers underline Dream11’s position as one of India’s most successful consumer tech businesses.
Market Position:
- Over 220 million registered users
- Dominates over 90% of the Indian fantasy cricket market
- Maintains a high daily active user (DAU) to monthly active user (MAU) ratio
However, Dream11 has also faced scrutiny from tax authorities. A GST-related notice of over INR 2,100 crore was issued in 2023, raising questions about regulatory risk.
Despite this, Dream11 continues to innovate, add sports formats, and invest in tech infrastructure.
Fantasy Sports Industry: Projected Growth by 2030
Current Market Scenario:
- Indian fantasy sports market in 2023 was valued at USD 25 billion.
- The industry has seen a massive user surge post-COVID and IPL 2020 onwards.
2030 Projection:
According to Custom Market Insights, the Indian fantasy sports industry is expected to:
- Reach USD 72.06 billion by 2030
- Grow at a 13.9% CAGR (2023-2030)
What This Means for Dream11:
- With its first-mover advantage and massive user base, Dream11 could still own over 60% of the market share.
- Dream11 might diversify more into e-sports, real-time analytics, and AI-based team recommendations.
- It could become a publicly listed tech sports company, depending on regulatory clarity.
Challenges Ahead:
- GST & Policy Regulations: Higher tax slabs (28% GST) on online games of skill
- Legal Hurdles: Different state regulations on fantasy gaming legality
- Increased Competition: From My11Circle, MPL, Gamezy, and others
Despite these challenges, Dream11’s deep market penetration and brand loyalty put it in a strong position for long-term scalability.
Fantasy Cricket App: Why Dream11 Still Leads
- User Experience (UX): Smooth, engaging, and intuitive app UI
- Rewards & Bonuses: Regular offers, bonuses, and referral incentives
- Real-time Analytics: Helps users make better player decisions
- Engagement Models: Mega Contests, Private Leagues, Practice Games
- Multi-Sport Availability: Cricket, Football, NBA, Kabaddi, etc.
Its constant innovation and community-driven ecosystem allow it to stay ahead in the fantasy cricket app market.
How to Earn Money in Dream11 Cricket (Tips)
- Start Small: Don’t invest heavily in the beginning.
- Do Research: Analyze pitch reports, player form, and head-to-head stats.
- Avoid Mega Leagues Initially: Try smaller contests with fewer players.
- Use Captain/Vice-Captain Wisely: They multiply your score.
- Diversify Teams: Don’t play one contest with the same team.
Winning on Dream11 takes strategy, patience, and consistent learning.
Dream11 has proven that gamifying sports can be more than just entertainment – it can be a full-fledged business model generating thousands of crores annually. With a strong foundation, strategic vision, and a passionate user base, Dream11 is not just surviving the competition – it’s thriving. But users must understand the risks. While Dream11 can offer real money rewards, it’s not guaranteed income. Play responsibly and treat it as a strategic game, not gambling. In the coming years, Dream11 could evolve into a global leader in fantasy sports. The question isn’t whether it will grow, but how far it will go.
