New Delhi, August 21 – Popular skill-based gaming platform Zupee has announced it will discontinue its real money gaming services following the passage of the Online Gaming Bill 2025 in both Houses of Parliament.
A Zupee spokesperson confirmed that while paid offerings will be phased out, its free games, including Ludo Supreme, Ludo Turbo, Snakes & Ladders, and Trump Card Mania, will remain available to over 150 million users across India. “We remain committed to delivering fun, engaging, and responsible gaming and entertainment experiences for free,” the spokesperson said.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill on Thursday amid opposition protests. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who moved the bill in the Upper House, stressed that online gaming has three segments e-sports, online social gaming, and online money gaming. The first two will be promoted with dedicated authorities, while the third real money gaming has been declared a “public health risk.”
Highlighting its dangers, Vaishnaw said that online money games have caused addiction, financial distress, and psychological disorders, with an estimated 45 crore people affected and over ₹20,000 crore lost. He also linked the practice to money laundering and terror financing. The World Health Organization has recognized such gaming addiction as a disorder.
The bill now prohibits offering, operating, or facilitating online money games, regardless of whether they are skill-based or chance-based. It also bans advertising and financial transactions tied to such platforms. At the same time, the government aims to provide legal recognition and promotion for e-sports and online social games like chess and sudoku.
With the new law, India moves toward curbing harmful gaming practices while fostering digital sports and social entertainment.
