Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 22: India’s booming real-money gaming industry has hit a major roadblock with the passage of the Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans all games involving monetary transactions. The bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament, has prompted several startups to suspend or shut down their cash-based platforms.
The legislation prohibits platforms where users deposit money with the expectation of winnings, targeting fantasy sports and other skill-based money games. The move comes amid growing concerns over addiction, financial distress, money laundering, and terror financing linked to such platforms.
Several leading players have already announced closures or suspensions:
• Dream11 (Dream Sports): Paused all “Pay to Play” fantasy contests on Dream Picks and suspended its real-money casual gaming app Dream Play. User balances remain safe for withdrawal.
• Hike (Rush): Founder Kavin Bhati Mittal confirmed shutting down Rush’s Indian operations, with plans to shift focus to the US market.
• Zupee: Discontinued paid games, but popular free titles like Ludo Supreme, Ludo Turbo, and Snakes & Ladders remain available.
• PokerBaazi (Nazara): Operator Moonshine Technologies Pvt Ltd has halted real-money gaming operations, with Nazara (holding 46% stake) awaiting further clarity post enactment.
• Probo: Announced a complete shutdown of real-money gaming operations “with immediate effect.”
• Mobile Premier League (MPL): Suspended all money games, including fantasy sports, quizzes, and esports. Deposits have been stopped, but withdrawals are being facilitated.
• Gameskraft: Paused its real-money rummy offerings and halted “Add Cash” and “Gameplay services,” while ensuring user funds are secure. Its poker platform Pocket52 had already been paused earlier this year.
With startups scrambling to adapt, the bill marks a turning point for India’s online gaming ecosystem, which had seen exponential growth over the past decade. The industry is now bracing for large-scale restructuring as companies weigh legal challenges, pivots to free-to-play formats, or international expansions.