Dream11 Surpasses Demat Accounts in an Unstoppable Surge

Dream11 is an online fantasy sports platform based in India that allows users to play fantasy cricket, football, basketball, baseball, kabaddi, and hockey. It was founded in 2008 by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth and has gained significant popularity in the Indian market. Dream11 is the flagship brand of Dream Sports, India’s leading Sports Technology company and has partnerships with several national and international sports bodies and cricketers. The online fantasy sports platform primarily earns revenue from the fee received from users who participate in real-money, fantasy sports contests available on the platform. In a remarkable display of exponential growth, Dream11 has swiftly ascended to the summit of fantasy sports platforms. Back in the year 2015, its user base stood at a commendable 3 lakh users. However, within a mere twelve months, this number skyrocketed to a staggering 15 lakh users. The momentum gained during this period proved unstoppable, as Dream11 continued its meteoric rise. Today, the user base has soared to an astonishing 18 crore users, painting a vivid picture of their unrivaled success. 

Dream11 has undoubtedly captured the hearts and minds of sports enthusiasts around the globe, offering an unrivaled virtual arena for over 10 sports within a single app. Whether it’s football, cricket, basketball, or even lesser-known sports, Dream11 caters to the diverse interests of its ever-expanding user base. This versatility allows users to indulge in their favorite sports, harnessing their knowledge, strategy, and instincts to craft their winning fantasy teams. 

With over 10,000 matches available annually on the Dream11 platform, the excitement never wanes. Fans can experience the thrill of virtually participating in live matches, selecting their dream team composed of real-life players, and competing against friends and fellow enthusiasts. Every match becomes an opportunity for users to showcase their skill in team management and prediction, making Dream11 the ultimate destination for fans seeking an immersive sports experience. 

Now, let’s calculate the astounding growth of Dream11 in terms of percentages. From 2015 to 2016, the user base grew by (15 lakh – 3 lakh) / 3 lakh * 100 = 400%. This incredible growth rate is a testament to the widespread popularity and appeal of Dream11. Furthermore, from 2016 to the present, the user base expanded from 15 lakh to 18 crore users. This impressive growth amounts to (18 crore – 15 lakh) / 15 lakh * 100 = 119900% in the given timeframe. 

Dream11’s journey from a modest user base to an enormous 18 crore users, coupled with its diverse sports offerings and an extensive array of matches, showcases the platform’s unrivaled success in the realm of fantasy sports. With such exponential growth, Dream11 continues to captivate and engage millions, fostering an ever-growing community of sports enthusiasts united by their love for the game.

 A demat account, also known as a dematerialized account, is a type of electronic account used to hold securities such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other financial instruments in digital form. It is a safe and convenient way to hold, trade, and manage investments without physical documents or certificates. The growth of demat accounts can be attributed to several factors, including the increase in online trading, technological advancements, and the rise of retail investors.

Total Demat Accounts in India are 11.59 crore whereas accounts in CDSL are 8.43 crore and in NSDL 3.16 crore as of April 2023. On average 20 lakh accounts are opened each month in FY23

In the second half of 2022, the number of demat accounts crossed the 10-crore mark in August 2022 for the first time ever, this was from a base of 4.1 crore in March 2020, before the COVID-19 outbreak.

While we were rejoicing over the surge in demat account openings, it became apparent that the number of demat accounts opened ranked third, falling behind platforms like Dream11 and the count of crypto users. Interestingly, both demat accounts and Dream11 accounts have witnessed a threefold increase since 2019, but Dream11’s growth started from a larger initial base. Starting from 2015, the number of Dream11 accounts has skyrocketed by over 500 times, starting from a user base of 3 lakh.

Possible reasons for the popularity of platforms like Dream11 can be attributed to the following factors:

• The allure of quick money in fantasy games like Dream11, where users can create an account and immediately start building their teams, awaiting their performance to potentially earn rewards.
• The immense cricket craze in India, with cricket being the most popular sport. Dream11’s primary focus on cricket leagues, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), capitalises on the massive following and passion for cricket in the country.
• A user-friendly platform that is easily accessible through mobile apps and websites, allowing users to open an account swiftly and become eligible to play. This stands in contrast to demat accounts, which require a more involved process and specific documentation.
• Dream11 has no age restrictions, enabling even children to open an account using just a mobile number and internet connection.
• The absence of paperwork requirements in Dream11, unlike demat accounts, where Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures are mandatory.
• Users can participate in fantasy games like Dream11 with a small amount of money compared to the stock market, even though the stock market offers leverage benefits. Dream11 allows users to potentially win significant cash prizes with minimal investment.
• Attractive cash prizes serve as a strong incentive for users to engage in fantasy sports, with the possibility of winning substantial amounts, including crores, with a minimal initial investment.
• Dream11 eliminates geographical boundaries and time zone restrictions, providing users with the flexibility to play anytime and compete with players from anywhere in the world. In contrast, the Indian stock market has fixed opening and closing times.

Despite the legal and secure nature of opening a Demat account for investing in the Indian market, the user base of platforms like Dream11 is rapidly growing. Dream11 appeals to users of all age groups, with a stronger attraction observed among the younger generation. It is worth noting that while the numbers of online gaming users are substantial, a significant portion of these users may engage in non-wagering activities, where no monetary transactions are involved. The simplified account opening process in Dream11, in contrast to the KYC requirements for demat accounts, contributes to its popularity. Additionally, there is a perception that many individuals are enticed by the opportunity to accumulate wealth quickly, further driving the appeal of platforms like Dream11.