Several leading gaming startups, including Dream11, Gameskraft, Zupee, Mobile Premier League, and Games24x7, have paused deposits after Parliament cleared the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.
Several leading gaming startups, including Gameskraft, Dream11, Probo, Zupee, Nazara-backed Moonshine Technologies (which operates PokerBaazi), Games24x7, and Mobile Premier League (MPL), have paused deposits on their platforms, people aware of the matter said.
The move comes in the wake of the Rajya Sabha clearing the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 on Thursday, which seeks to prohibit real-money online games where users pay an entry fee or wager money on formats such as fantasy sports, poker and rummy.
The legislation, which the Lok Sabha passed on Wednesday, will become law once it receives Presidential assent.
“In light of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, we are pausing ‘Add Cash’ and ‘Gameplay services’ on our rummy apps. The withdrawal services continue to remain available in accordance with platform policies. We want to reassure that the users funds continue to be safe with us. This is a precautionary measure to ensure full compliance with the evolving legal framework. As a responsible and law-abiding organisation, Gameskraft remains committed to constructive dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders to help shape a future that safeguards players, supports innovation, and unlocks the full potential of India’s digital gaming economy,” said a Gameskraft spokesperson.
Another player, Zupee, noted that they are discontinuing paid games. A Zupee spokesperson said in an official statement, “We are discontinuing paid games, but our hugely popular free titles like Ludo Supreme, Ludo Turbo, Snakes & Ladders, and Trump Card Mania will continue to be available for all users for free. We remain committed to delivering fun, engaging, and responsible gaming & entertainment experiences to our over 150 million users across India for free.”
Another gaming unicorn has also noted that it is pausing deposits for its users. They shared that they have been communicated to stop deposits. However, clarity is lacking on how the withdrawal will happen, a source close to the development shared.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has introduced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to prohibit harmful online money gaming while simultaneously promoting legitimate e-sports and social gaming activities. The legislation pursues a dual mandate by seeking to eliminate all forms of online betting and gambling activities, commonly referred to as “Satta” and “Jua,” including Online Fantasy Sports platforms, Online Gambling services such as Poker, Rummy and other card games, and Online Lotteries, along with their associated advertisements and financial transactions.
The Bill has also established stringent penalties and imprisonment not only for individuals and entities running or facilitating prohibited online money gaming services, but also extends these consequences to advertising and promoting such services, ensuring that the entire ecosystem supporting harmful online gaming faces comprehensive legal accountability.
Gaming federations, in a letter to the PM, have noted that online skill gaming generates over ₹31,000 crore in revenue, over ₹20,000 crore in annual direct and indirect taxes, and is set to grow at a 20% CAGR to reach even greater heights, potentially doubling by 2028. It noted that the industry employs over 2 lakh people, and post this bill, it could see a complete overhaul of its operations alongside layoffs and steep pay cuts.
Published on August 22, 2025
