Introduction
In August 2025, India’s digital gaming ecosystem faced a transformative moment with the passing of the Online Gaming Bill 2025—a law banning all forms of real money online gaming. This landmark legislation forced major platforms including Zupee, MPL, RummyCircle, Dream11, and the investment-centric Nazara Technologies to issue urgent official statements and initiate radical shifts in their business models. This blog delivers an authoritative and professional update with direct CEO quotes, latest share prices, legal impacts, and clear insights for users on all devices.
Zupee Ludo & Zupee ,From Real Money Leader to Free-Play Pioneer
Official Statement & Immediate Changes
Zupee’s real-money operations have officially ceased. As stated by the company:
“Zupee remains fully operational and our players can continue to enjoy their favourite games on the platform. In line with the new Online Gaming Bill 2025, we are discontinuing paid games, but our hugely popular free titles will continue to be available for all users… We remain committed to delivering fun, engaging, and responsible gaming & entertainment experiences to our 150+ million users across India.”
What does this mean for users?
- Cash tournaments, paid entries, and UPI rewards are no longer available.
- Free titles such as Ludo Supreme, Snakes & Ladders, and Trump Card Mania remain accessible.
Zupee’s CEO, Dilsher Malhi, emphasizes a shift towards responsible, skill-based, and free gaming as the company adapts to new regulations.
MPL—Complete Suspension with Clear CEO Response
CEO Statement & Current App Status
MPL, one of India’s leading gaming platforms, has confirmed compliance with the bill:
“At MPL, we respect the rule of law and will comply fully with the ban on online money games in India. Effective immediately, we are suspending all gaming offerings involving money on the MPL platform in India. While new deposits will no longer be accepted, customers will be able to withdraw their balances seamlessly.”
This means:
- All paid fantasy sports and deposit options have been suspended.
- Withdrawal features remain active.
- Free-play games are still available, and the company is exploring growth through international expansion.
RummyCircle—Pause on Paid Deposits, Awaiting Full Statement
Company Response
While a formal public statement from RummyCircle’s leadership is awaited, the operator Games24x7 has taken steps to pause deposits and maintain withdrawal options:
“Users’ funds continue to be safe with us. We want to reassure that the users’ funds continue to be safe with us…”
- Paid rummy tournaments have been paused or banned.
- Free and practice games may continue to engage users.
Additional updates are expected as the company formulates its response to the regulatory changes.
Nazara Technologies—Minimal Impact Despite Share Price Volatility
Business Impact & CEO Commentary
Nazara Technologies’ share price stood at ₹1,205.20 on August 21, 2025, after a near 20% decline over two days. CEO Nitish Mittersain clarified:
“Nazara has no direct exposure to the real money gaming (RMG) segment… RMG contributed NIL to revenue and EBITDA. Our only indirect exposure is a stake in PokerBaazi, which does not materially affect our consolidated results.”
The company’s core operations in esports, educational gaming, and digital publishing remain fully operational, with users experiencing no disruptions.
Dream11—Pause on Paid Fantasy Sports with CEO Confirmation
Official Company Statement
Dream Sports, the parent company of Dream11, has communicated a definitive end to paid fantasy sports contests in India:
“There is no legal pathway to continue operations once the law takes effect.”
The app displays the message: “We are pausing all ‘Pay to Play’ Fantasy Sports contests on our platform…”
Key points:
- Paid leagues and monetary contests are no longer available to Indian users.
- Free features and fund withdrawals remain accessible.
- Focus is shifting toward sports media (FanCode), travel (DreamSetGo), and game development.
Dream11’s era as India’s flagship paid fantasy sports platform has come to an end following regulatory enforcement.
Conclusion—Industry-Wide Impact and User Takeaways
- All real-money gaming apps, including Zupee, MPL, RummyCircle, and Dream11, have paused or halted paid contests, conforming to the Online Gaming Bill 2025.
- Free-play social and skill-based games continue to be available across platforms.
- Nazara Technologies remains stable with minimal direct impact due to diversified business interests.
- Users can withdraw remaining funds but cannot participate in paid contests involving real money.
- This detailed summary includes verified CEO quotes, live app policy updates, and share price movements for the most accurate and professional insights tailored for all device users in 2025.
India’s gaming landscape has entered a new chapter—transitioning from real-money stakes to responsible, entertainment-centric gaming experiences. As platforms evolve, staying informed through official statements ensures you remain ahead in this shifting market.