Image Source: India Today
The Indian online gaming giant Zupee has announced the halt of its real-money gaming offerings in direct compliance with the recently passed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. This landmark legislation, approved by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, essentially bans online games involving monetary stakes, compelling platforms like Zupee to discontinue paid games and focus solely on free-to-play formats.
Key Highlights of Zupee’s Announcement and the Online Gaming Bill:
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Zupee will discontinue all cash-based gaming options but will continue to operate its immensely popular free titles such as Ludo Supreme, Ludo Turbo, Snakes & Ladders, and Trump Card Mania.
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The company reassures its user base of over 150 million Indian players that the platform remains fully operational and committed to delivering engaging, responsible, and fun gaming experiences without monetary rewards.
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The Online Gaming Bill 2025 separates online gaming into three categories: e-sports, social gaming, and online money gaming. The first two categories are encouraged and promoted under the new regulatory framework, while real-money games are strictly prohibited.
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This move by Zupee and other online gaming platforms is a direct response to the government's efforts to curb negative social impacts associated with online money gaming, including addiction, financial losses, money laundering, and even links with illicit activities as cited by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
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The bill introduces stringent measures such as bans on advertisement, operation, facilitation, and participation in real-money games, along with financial transaction restrictions to enforce compliance.
Broader Impact and Industry Context
Zupee, founded in 2018 and valued at approximately ₹4,900 crore after a $72 million Series B funding round in early 2022, has been a significant player in India’s booming real-money gaming ecosystem. Its decision to halt paid games signals a major industry shift amid an upheaval triggered by the new government's clampdown.
Industry stakeholders characterize the Online Gaming Bill 2025 as potentially disruptive, with concerns that the ban could lead to job losses estimated at over 200,000, reduce foreign direct investment inflows worth around ₹25,000 crore, and decrease tax revenues by nearly ₹20,000 crore. The sector, which was valued at over ₹2 lakh crore and employed thousands, fears a contraction of legitimate business, potentially driving users to unregulated and illegal offshore gaming platforms lacking safeguards or consumer protections.
Zupee’s spokesperson expressed commitment to pivoting their business model around skill- and social-based free games, thus retaining their massive user base while staying aligned with the law.
Details from the Online Gaming Bill 2025
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The legislation classes online games into three types, promoting e-sports and social gaming while outlawing real-money games involving stakes or wagers.
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A central regulatory authority will be instituted to oversee the sector’s policy, development, and governance.
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The bill targets protecting vulnerable populations, particularly youth, from the adverse effects of monetary games by preventing addiction, financial harm, and misuse of platforms for illegal activities.
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It also prohibits payment intermediaries and financial services from enabling transactions linked to real-money gaming.
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Passed amidst protests and parliamentary debate, this bill marks a significant pivot point in India's digital gaming landscape.
Zupee’s Redirected Vision
While paid gaming is now off the table, Zupee continues to attract and entertain its vast community through free game titles that prioritize skill and social engagement. The platform’s pivot is representative of the industry’s broader transformation, emphasizing responsible gaming and adherence to new government frameworks.
Zupee’s declaration underscores its dedication to maintaining entertainment value without financial risk, ensuring that players can still access popular classics in a safe and compliant environment. The company is poised to work within the evolving regulatory landscape while nurturing its digital community and exploring innovative free-to-play experiences.
In conclusion, Zupee’s shift away from real-money games following the Online Gaming Bill 2025 is emblematic of the sweeping regulatory changes reshaping India’s online gaming sector. This regulatory move aims to foster safer, regulated growth in e-sports and social gaming while addressing the socio-economic risks linked to cash-based online gaming.
Source: Business Today, The Tribune India, Storyboard18
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