Dream11 alternatives in the USA that pay real money
Dream11 no longer pays cash anywhere — its US app is free-to-play only. To play fantasy cricket for real money in America you need a US-based daily fantasy platform. Here are the honest options in 2026, real-money and free, and how to tell which ones work where you live.
How it plays in the app
- 1
Build your XI under the budget
Stars cost more, so every pick is a trade-off.
- 2
Pick a captain (2×) and vice-captain (1.5×)
The two picks that swing most contests.
- 3
Score on every run, four, six and wicket
Points follow the match ball by ball.
Real-money options
Runtiva — the captain/vice-captain format Dream11 players know, with a salary cap in place of credits, live ball-by-ball scoring, and American sports in the same wallet. Peer-to-peer: you play other fans, never the house. Free contests are open everywhere; paid contests are open where your state allows.
GullyCricket — a US fantasy cricket operator running real-money contests since 2019, covering the major international and franchise tournaments.
Free-to-play options
Not ready to deposit? These are free — good for learning or casual play, but they pay no cash: Dream11's US app (now a free 'sports watch-along', no cash contests) and the official ICC and IPL fantasy games.
How to choose
- Check your state first. Paid DFS is legal in most states but not all, and a few set the minimum age at 19 or 21. A good platform verifies your eligibility automatically at signup.
- Look at payouts. How fast can you actually withdraw, and by what method? Runtiva supports same-day options; always read the cashout terms before depositing.
- Match the format to what you know. If you played Dream11, the captain and vice-captain format will feel familiar on Runtiva; the one change is a salary cap in place of credits.
- Prefer peer-to-peer. Contests where players fund the prize pool and compete against each other are the most durable format under US fantasy law.
Coming from Dream11?
Runtiva was built for exactly this move: the same format you already know, legal for real money in the US, with live scoring and Major League Cricket, the IPL, and international series covered. New to the US “DFS” wrapper around it? Read what cricket DFS is, or the full story of what changed for Dream11 in America.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Dream11 alternative in the USA for real money?
For cash play you need a US-based daily fantasy platform that offers cricket. Runtiva uses the captain/vice-captain format Dream11 players know, with a salary cap in place of credits, and runs paid contests where your state allows; GullyCricket has run US real-money fantasy cricket since 2019. Which is available depends on your state.
Why can't I just use Dream11 in America anymore?
Dream11 ended paid contests worldwide after India banned real-money gaming in August 2025. Its US app is free-to-play only. There's no cash version to reach, with or without a VPN.
Can I try a Dream11 alternative for free first?
Yes. Runtiva has free contests and virtual-currency (Run Coins) contests so you can learn the ropes without depositing, and waitlist members get a free entry into the launch freeroll.