The Online Gaming Bill 2025 has completely changed India’s real-money gaming sector. With the new law, all online platforms offering games that involve depositing money for possible winnings have been forced to shut down.
Big names such as Dream11, MPL, Zupee, My11Circle, PokerBaazi, and more have stopped their money-based games. Millions of users are now limited to only free-to-play or esports titles.
The ban is also creating massive losses in jobs, revenue, and sponsorships. Below is the full list of apps shutting down, reactions from industry leaders, and the overall impact on India’s gaming industry.
What Is the Online Gaming Bill 2025 & Why It Matters?
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 bans all online games played with real money in India. Platforms offering cash contests must now shut their operations.
Esports and casual games without betting continue legally. Any violation of the law can invite strict action, including fines up to ₹1 crore and imprisonment for up to three years.
What Apps Are Shutting Down Real-Money Operations?
Several leading online platforms have closed their money-based divisions after the bill. Here is the list of popular apps shutting down operations.
1. Dream11
Dream11’s fantasy sports contests involving entry fees are no longer available. The company confirmed it has stopped all paid contests in India but continues to operate free-to-play formats.
2. MPL (Mobile Premier League)
MPL has shut all real-money divisions, including fantasy and skill-based cash games. It is continuing its free casual gaming titles and some esports-focused offerings, which are unaffected by the ban.
3. My11Circle
My11Circle, run by Games24x7, has ended its fantasy contests with money entry. The company has hinted at exploring new non-money gaming models in India while assessing the situation further.
4. Zupee
Zupee has stopped offering its paid Ludo and other cash-driven games. The platform will now run only free-to-play options, while continuing to build on its non-monetary user base.
5. Gameskraft
Bengaluru-based Gameskraft Technologies confirmed the shutdown of its RummyCulture platform in India. The company issued an official statement about halting money-based operations, citing compliance with the new legal framework.
6. Probo
Probo, known for its prediction and opinion trading markets, has shut down real-money services nationwide. The company issued a statement confirming a complete and immediate exit from paid formats.
7. WinZO
WinZO suspended its money-based online games immediately after the bill. The company is now considering a pivot toward casual and social gaming segments that fall outside the banned category.
8. PokerBaazi (Nazara Tech’s Moonshine)
PokerBaazi, operated by Nazara Tech’s associate Moonshine, ended all cash poker games. The company explained this move as a compliance measure with the new bill, and will reassess opportunities later.
9. A23 (Head Digital Works)
A23, run by Head Digital Works, has shut down both rummy and poker games involving money. The company confirmed a complete exit from money gaming activities in India.
10. Other Fantasy & Money Gaming Platforms
Beyond the major brands, several smaller platforms have also ceased operations in India. These include MyTeam11, FanFight, HalaPlay, BalleBaazi, and other regional fantasy operators.
Most have either stopped cash contests entirely or shifted focus to free-to-play models, citing compliance with the new Online Gaming Bill.
What Are Top Industry Players Saying?
After the ban, leading gaming platforms issued quick statements. Dream11 said all contests involving deposits have been paused, while assuring users that wallet withdrawals remain safe.
MPL confirmed it has stopped all cash games but promised seamless withdrawals for players. Zupee announced it has discontinued paid titles but continues with free Ludo and similar games.
PokerBaazi, run by Moonshine, stated that its real-money poker services are halted until further clarity emerges.
Probo made a straightforward announcement that all real-money services are shut down immediately, and the company will fully comply with the law.
What Happens to Employee Jobs & Human Impact?
The shutdown has led to a massive human impact, with nearly two lakh jobs in the gaming industry facing uncertainty. Many workers from customer support, development, and marketing teams are already affected by sudden layoffs.
The future of employment in this sector remains bleak unless companies can pivot toward esports, casual gaming, or other compliant categories in India.
Dream11 & BCCI Sponsorship Fallout
Dream11 has chosen to end its ₹358 crore sponsorship agreement with the BCCI well before its term. This sudden decision comes right before major cricket events like the Asia Cup.
With the exit of Dream11, the BCCI faces a significant shortfall in revenue. The cricket board now urgently needs a new sponsor to fill the financial gap.
How the Gaming Ecosystem & Investments Are Affected
The ban has created major uncertainty for investors who poured billions into India’s gaming startups. Several companies may see their valuations crash due to the sudden halt.
Venture capital firms are already reconsidering future bets in the sector. Alongside this, the Indian government risks losing up to ₹20,000 crore every year in direct and indirect tax revenues.
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Conclusion: All Real Money Gaming Platforms Are Shutting Down Their Games
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 has left no space for money gaming apps in India. All popular platforms, including Dream11, MPL, Zupee, and PokerBaazi, have confirmed the closure of paid contests.
While withdrawals remain open for players, no new games or deposits are allowed. For the industry, the ban has triggered job losses, investment risks, and sponsorship exits.
The only future opportunities now lie in esports and casual gaming formats that are legal under the new framework. Players should follow company updates closely to withdraw funds in time and track changes in the gaming space.
FAQs
Players can withdraw existing balances through official app wallets without issues.
Free-to-play casual games and esports remain available for users.
Penalties include fines up to ₹1 crore and imprisonment up to three years.
The Government of India drafted and passed the bill in Parliament.
Esports and skill-based casual gaming continue legally under the new law.
