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  • Gameskraft halts Rummy cash play after new online gaming bill enforcement

    Gameskraft halts Rummy cash play after new online gaming bill enforcement

    MUMBAI: The cards have been reshuffled in India’s online gaming arena and this time, it’s the law dealing the hand. Following the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which prohibits all real-money games, skill or chance, Gameskraft has announced a full stop to gameplay and cash deposits on its Rummy platforms from 21 August 2025.

    While users can no longer add money or play, the company stressed that withdrawal services remain active, with all account balances “safe and secure.” Gameskraft said it is working with banking partners, auditors, and legal advisors to ensure a seamless process for players cashing out.

    Unlike previous flashpoints between gaming companies and regulators, Gameskraft made it clear there would be no legal challenge this time. “We fully respect the legislative process and remain committed to operating within the framework of the law,” the company stated.

    The focus now shifts to the future. The company revealed it has begun structured internal discussions to explore new business models in line with the bill, guided by what it calls its pillars of responsible innovation, player protection, and regulatory alignment.

    Gameskraft has also reassured stakeholders that it has cleared all regulatory dues, proactively communicated with employees, partners, vendors, and service providers, and safeguarded their interests during this transition.

    Calling compliance “non-negotiable”, the company said the moment, while disruptive, is also an opportunity to “reimagine what’s next responsibly, lawfully, and for long-term value creation.”

    With the ban cutting across India’s booming real-money gaming sector, the industry is now in reset mode. For Gameskraft, once a major player in the Rummy space, the challenge is no longer just winning the game, it’s reinventing it.
     

  • India’s gaming giants face extinction as government prepares blanket ban

    India’s gaming giants face extinction as government prepares blanket ban

    MUMBAI: India’s booming online gaming sector is bracing for devastation after electronics and information technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The proposed legislation threatens to outlaw all real-money gaming platforms, regardless of whether they involve skill or chance—a move that could obliterate 86 per cent of the industry’s current revenue streams.

    The bill proposes harsh penalties for violators: up to three years imprisonment and fines of Rs 1 crore for operators, and two years jail plus Rs 50 lakh fines for advertisers. Banks and financial institutions facilitating transactions for money games face similar punishment. Repeat offenders could face between three and five years behind bars with higher fines.

    Market leaders including Dream11, Games24x7, Winzo, GamesKraft and My11Circle now face an existential crisis. India’s online gaming market, currently valued at $3.7 billion and projected to reach $9.1 billion by 2029, could see its financial lifeline severed overnight.

    The All India Gaming Federation, E-Gaming Federation and Federation of India Fantasy Sports have written jointly to home minister Amit Shah, warning that the legislation would “destroy over 200,000 jobs, result in over 400 companies shutting down, and weaken India’s position as a digital innovator.”

    The industry argues that legitimate platforms will be forced to close, pushing crores of users towards illegal matka networks, offshore gambling sites and unregulated operators. The sector has grown into a Rs 2 trillion industry, generating Rs 31,000 crore in annual revenue and over Rs 20,000 crore in taxes whilst expanding at 20 per cent compound annual growth rate.

    The bill defines an online money game as one where users pay fees or deposit money “in expectation of winning in return of money or other stake.” It explicitly excludes esports and online social games such as casual entertainment formats without monetary stakes. A proposed Online Gaming Authority would determine whether games qualify as money games and oversee the sector.

    MeitY secretary S Krishnan said the legislation aims to recognise the industry’s creative intent whilst restricting undesirable segments. The government cited instances of severe financial distress and suicides linked to online money gaming during cabinet deliberations, noting particular concerns about addiction among children and youth.

    The move represents a decisive shift from tax-and-regulate to prohibit-and-enforce. Authorities have already imposed a 28 per cent goods and services tax on gaming revenues since October 2023, followed by a 30 per cent tax on net winnings from FY 2024-25. Over 1,400 illegal betting and gambling sites have been blocked since 2022.

    Players themselves will not face criminalisation under the proposed law, being treated as victims rather than offenders. Free-to-play and subscription-based games where users pay fixed fees without wagering during gameplay will remain permissible.

    Industry insiders warn the legislation could violate constitutional principles whilst strengthening illegal offshore operators—described as “one of the biggest national security threats to the country today.” India’s gamer base has grown from 360 million in 2020 to over 500 million in 2024, with foreign direct investment in the sector crossing Rs 25,000 crore by June 2022.

    The Lok Sabha session was adjourned until 2pm shortly after the bill’s introduction amid opposition protests, leaving the industry’s fate hanging in the balance.

  • Gameskraft powers Indian athletes across track, field, para and archery

    Gameskraft powers Indian athletes across track, field, para and archery

    MUMBAI: When skill meets support, the scoreboard changes. That’s exactly what Gameskraft Foundation is banking on as it doubles down on India’s medal ambitions reaffirming partnerships with four key sporting foundations, the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), Anju Bobby Sports Foundation (ABSF), Gosports Foundation, and the Dola & Rahul Banerjee Sports Foundation (DRBSF).

    “Over the past few years, our partnerships have shown encouraging results,” said Rishi Wadhera, Vice President – Corporate Communications & CSR, Gameskraft. “It’s been heartening to see how consistent support can make a meaningful difference in the journeys of emerging athletes. Our focus remains on nurturing potential, building sustainable infrastructure, and supporting communities in their efforts to create future champions. These collaborations are a reflection of our continued commitment to contributing positively to India’s sporting ecosystem with a long-term vision and are grateful to our partners for their commitment.”

    Together, these collaborations form a medal-making machine supporting everything from para-athletes to archers and track stars, from grassroots training to global podiums.

    At IIS, the Foundation backs the Athletics Centre of Excellence, whose star pupil Neeraj Chopra took home Silver in Javelin at the 2024 Paris Olympics. At ABSF, a new academy is taking shape in Bengaluru to foster more future Shaili Singhs who leapt to Bronze in Long Jump at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships.

    Lauding the efforts of the Gameskraft Foundation and their long-term commitment to a robust sports-driven culture, Anju Bobby George, Founder of ABSF and India’s first medallist in the World Athletic Championship said, “Our association with Gameskraft Foundation has been anchored in a shared belief in long-term impact. The backing we’ve received is not just empowering for our training infrastructure but has been vital in inspiring young girls from small towns to dream bigger.”

    Gameskraft’s partnership with GoSports Foundation under the Para Champions Programme is a testament to inclusivity in sports. At the 2024 Paralympics, the results were golden literally with Sumit Antil and Dharambir grabbing Gold, Suhas Yethiraj securing Silver, and Rakesh Kumar bagging Bronze.

    In the archery arena, Deepika Kumari supported via DRBSF scored Bronze at the 2025 Archery World Cup, aiming true with Gameskraft in her corner.

    “For Indian sport to reach the success we aspire, it needs the coming together of more than just talent. Corporate India’s involvement in sport is pivotal, and some of our more prominent achievements have been a result of this support. At Gameskraft Foundation, we have people who are as obsessed with us about our Olympic ambitions. Together we have created a system for our athletes that gives them the best possible chance to succeed, and I am confident we will have more podiums coming from track and field in the near future.”, said Manisha Malhotra, President, Inspire Institute of Sport.

    The results are already on the leaderboard, but Gameskraft isn’t done yet. With every laurel and long jump, the foundation is showing that gaming companies can play a serious role in India’s Olympic journey not just virtually, but with real impact on real tracks.

    Now that’s how you level up.

  • Madchatter Brand Solutions joins forces with MetaMorph as PR partner for Chhalaang 2.0

    Madchatter Brand Solutions joins forces with MetaMorph as PR partner for Chhalaang 2.0

    Mumbai: Madchatter Brand Solutions, an integrated communications firm, proudly announces its strategic alliance with MetaMorph, a 360° HR Advisory firm as the official PR Partner for the revolutionary initiative, Chhalaang 2.0, India’s largest Women-only Hackathon. Scheduled for April 6th, 2024, at the venue partnered with Microsoft for Startups in Bengaluru, Chhalaang 2.0 is poised to be the epitome of women’s empowerment in the tech sphere. Participating in this groundbreaking event are esteemed brands, with Gameskraft as the title sponsor, and other participants including Bureau, Groww, Veera, and DMI Finance.

    With a mere 10 per cent of the Indian tech workforce currently comprising women, the urgent need for dedicated initiatives to boost this number is indisputable. Chhalaang, MetaMorph’s flagship program, emerges as a powerful catalyst to elevate women’s participation in the Indian tech workforce. Building on the triumph of its inaugural season, which saw a remarkable 5,000 applicants and 250+ women participating, Chhalaang 2.0 is set to make an even more resounding impact, projecting over 10,000 applicants and welcoming more than 500 women on the final day.

    A stellar panel of judges, featuring Yubi chief data officer Mathangi Sri Ramachandran; Licious chief product & technology officer Ajit Narayanan; Swiggy AVP, new initiatives Shivangi Srivastava, Atlassian head of engineering for commerce Sonia Parandekar, and Plum co-founder Saurabh Arora, will preside over the hackathon, ensuring fairness and expertise in the selection process. The hackathon offers participants the chance to win from a prize pool worth up to Rs 8 lakhs, sponsored by Plix, Plum, Luzo, Frido and Purplle.

    Madchatter Brand Solutions founder Rachna Baruah expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, ‘We are thrilled to partner with MetaMorph for Chhalaang 2.0. This hackathon represents a powerful initiative towards fostering diversity in the workforce. We believe in the potential of this platform to bring about positive change and provide deserving women with the recognition they deserve in the tech workforce.

    MetaMorph founder partner Sanam Rawal & MetaMorph core team member heading acquisition & diversity initiative Swati Gupta said, “Chhalaang is not just a hackathon; it’s a movement to reshape the narrative for women in technology. Our collaboration with Madchatter Brand Solutions reinforces our commitment to amplifying the impact of Chhalaang 2.0. Together, we aim to inspire, connect, and propel women in tech towards new heights.”

    GamesKraft founder Prithvi Raj Singh said, “Since inception, we’ve supported Women Krafters in pursuing their career aspirations. Partnering with MetaMorph’s Chhalaang 2.0 elevates our commitment as we host talented women coders, shaping the future of tech. Krafterhood thrives on diversity and inclusion, and this is just the beginning!”

    Registration link to Chhalaang 2.0: http://tinyurl.com/inmail1.

  • Madras HC refuses to stay Tamil Nadu’s ordinance banning online gambling

    Madras HC refuses to stay Tamil Nadu’s ordinance banning online gambling

    NEW DELHI: The Madras high court has declined to grant an interim stay on the Tamil Nadu government’s ordinance banning online gambling and games, including online rummy.

    Appearing for the state, advocate general Vijay Narayan today sought more time and urged the court to adjourn the matter till after Pongal. He also mentioned that there is a possibility that an act against online gambling may be presented in the legislative assembly in January, which may or may not be in the same form as the ordinance. However, the court clarified that no further extension would be given in the matter to file the counter.

    He argued that children are playing online rummy using their parents' credit card and the ordinance would nearly have any effect on the operations of the petitioners given that only two states – Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh – have banned online rummy.

    Previously, the court had refused to stay the ordinance on a petition moved by online gaming platform Junglee.

    Appearing for Junglee, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that the petitioners wanted an early resolution of the matter, adding that they can establish that online rummy is safer than rummy played in other places. He claimed that the business is getting impacted as it wrongly stopped.

    Meanwhile, Gameskraft Technologies also joined in the challenge mounted against the ordinance, in so far as it relates to online rummy. Advocate Mohan Parasaran, the counsel appearing for Gameskraft, urged the court to at least pass orders that no coercive action be taken against the petitioners in the interim.

    However, the bench refused to grant any interim relief save for the filing of a counter-affidavit by the state, and fixed the matter for further hearing on 18 January.

    Last month, Tamil Nadu became the third state in India to enforce a ban on online games and gambling after governor Banwarilal Purohit promulgated an ordinance on the same. The move came in the wake of a spate of suicides in the state by gamblers who lost money playing these online betting games.