New legislation banning real-money gaming has triggered layoffs and a sharp decline in app downloads.
India.- Layoffs are already mounting after the approval of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 on August 22. The legislation, now awaiting presidential assent, prohibited real-money gaming (RMG), including fantasy sports, rummy, and poker, leaving major operators seeking alternative business models.
Games24x7, the parent of My11Circle, has reportedly laid off approximately 400 employees after already cutting 180 jobs in May. Mobile Premier League (MPL) is cutting nearly 300 roles, about 60 per cent of its Indian staff, as its domestic revenue stream has been “wiped out,” according to CEO Sai Srinivas. Baazi Games, operator of PokerBaazi, is cutting over 200 positions, nearly 45 per cent of its workforce.
App downloads have also plummeted. Data from AppTweak shows that between August 20 and 30, Winzo’s daily downloads fell 69.7 per cent to 45,900, Zupee’s fell 95 per cent to 3,490, and MPL’s rummy and fantasy app downloads dropped 73 per cent to 367.
Many operators, including MPL, Zupee, and Paytm First Games, have suspended paid games entirely and are seeking alternative models. Harsh Jain, CEO of Dream Sports, parent of Dream11, has mentioned a pivot to sports AI, fan engagement and the creator economy. Winzo is seeking to expand internationally, entering the US market after Brazil, while others explore advertising-led or subscription-based models.
Head Digital Works, operator of A23, has filed a legal challenge at the Karnataka High Court to contest the ban. Other firms are focusing on compliance and restructuring. Nazara Technologies issued a termination notice for its acquisition of Moonshine Technology (PokerBaazi’s operator), citing the new legislation as a “material adverse event.”
New legislation banning real-money gaming has triggered layoffs and a sharp decline in app downloads. India.- Layoffs are already mounting after the approval of the Promotion and Regulation of Online…
Participe da IGI Expo 2026: https://igi-expo.com/
O iGaming & Gaming International Expo - IGI, é um evento inovador criado para reunir empresas e empreendedores, profissionais, investidores, dos setores de iGaming e jogos. Com foco total em networking, exposição e feira de negócios. Além de ser uma fonte inigualável de informações sobre as tendências e o futuro das indústrias nos próximos anos.
📢 Receba em primeira mão notícias relevantes e fique por dentro dos principais assuntos sobre Igaming e Esportes no Brasil e o mundo. Siga no Whatsapp!
...
