Gaming Ban Forces Zupee to Lay Off Staff

September 12, 2025

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Why in the News?

Online gaming platform Zupee has laid off about 170 employees, which is roughly 30% of its workforce, following the passage of the Online Gaming Bill 2025 in India. The law includes a ban on real-money gaming (RMG), and this new regulatory landscape forced companies like Zupee to make tough decisions.

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 prohibits games in which users deposit real money with the expectation of earning returns. This move has disrupted the real-money gaming market, which previously included skill-based games such as rummy, poker, and fantasy sports. The ban has already led to widespread layoffs across the industry, with companies like MPL, Baazi Games, Games24x7, and Head Digital Works reducing staff.

To adapt to the new environment, many platforms are now shifting towards subscription models, advertising-based revenues, and content creation such as shows and dramas, focusing on entertainment offerings that do not rely on money-based gaming.

About Zupee

Zupee, founded in 2018 by Dilsher Singh Malhi and Siddhant Saurabh, built its name through games inspired by popular board games like Ludo, Snakes and Ladders, and Carrom. It grew quickly and attracted over 150 million registered users across India.

With the recent restrictions, the company is now shifting its focus by launching new services such as Zupee Plus, a subscription-based model offering ad-free play and access to entertainment content, and Zupee Studio, which produces short drama content.

[Credits for header image: Network World
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