With the IPL 2025 season now in full swing fantasy sports platforms like Dream11 and My11Circle have surged in popularity across India offering cricket enthusiasts an interactive way to engage with the game and potentially win substantial rewards. While these platforms have transformed the sports entertainment landscape it is also true that many people have failed to recognise the associated risks and the importance of understanding platform disclaimers. Success Stories From Daily Wagers to Crorepatis The pull of fantasy sports is exemplified by individuals like Guru Charan Jamuda a daily wage labourer from Odisha. By investing just Rs 49 on My11Circle during an IPL match between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings recently Jamudas strategic team selection earned him a staggering Rs 3 crore and a Mahindra Thar vehicle. Stories such as this underscore the life-changing potential these platforms can offer to participants. However many fail to avoid reading the fine print and fall into an endless loop. The Fine Print Disclaimers and Regulatory Guidelines Despite the enticing success stories users must be aware of the disclaimers associated with real-money gaming platforms. The Advertising Standards Council of India ASCI mandates that all such advertisements carry a disclaimer stating quotThis game involves an element of financial risk and may be addictive. Please play responsibly and at your own risk.quot However reports suggest that some platforms including Dream11 and My11Circle have modified this warning in their advertisements. For instance certain ads have replaced the term quotaddictivequot with quothabit-formingquot potentially downplaying the severity of the risk involved. Understanding the Risks Financial and Psychological Implications Engaging in fantasy sports requires not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cautious approach to financial investment. While some users may experience significant wins others may face substantial losses leading to financial strain and economic instability. The immersive nature of these platforms can result in addictive behaviors affecting daily responsibilities relationships and overall mental well-being. Studies have indicated that online gaming addiction can lead to increased levels of stress anxiety and in severe cases clinical depression. Financial compulsions arising from addiction may push individuals into a cycle of repeated investments hoping to recover losses which can lead to mounting debt. Warning signs of addiction include excessive time spent on gaming neglecting essential tasks borrowing money to play and experiencing mood swings tied to game outcomes. Players are encouraged to set strict financial limits engage in self-exclusion options provided by platforms and seek professional help if gaming begins to negatively impact their daily lives. The Need for Responsible Gaming Practices Regulatory bodies and gaming companies alike stress the need for responsible gaming. Platforms like Dream11 and My11Circle themselves do offer responsible gaming guidelines including deposit limits self-exclusion options and awareness campaigns. However the responsibility ultimately lies with the users to exercise caution. Government agencies are also pushing for stricter regulations to prevent financial exploitation and ensure transparency in the industry. Fantasy sports platforms like Dream11 and My11Circle offer exciting opportunities for engagement and potential financial gain. However users must approach these platforms with a well-informed mindset fully understanding the disclaimers acknowledging the risks of financial loss and addiction and considering the ethical implications.