Online Gaming Bill 2025: GamesKraft’s Future Uncertain Amidst Gambling Ban

The Online Gaming Bill 2025 poses a significant threat to GamesKraft, particularly due to its ban on online gambling and real-money gaming. GamesKraft, known for its real-money games like poker and rummy, will likely find its primary business model illegal under the new law. The bill’s scope includes a prohibition on all forms of online betting, irrespective of skill, thereby impacting GamesKraft’s core offerings. In addition to the direct ban, the legislation will restrict payment gateways from processing transactions related to real-money gaming, potentially crippling the company’s financial operations. To survive, GamesKraft may need to explore e-sports and social gaming options, or transition towards ad-free gaming models with subscription or one-time payment structures. The Online Gaming Bill 2025, tabled in the Lok Sabha on August 20th, 2025, by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, aims to promote online social games and esports. The bill outlaws all forms of online money gaming, including fantasy sports, card games like poker and rummy, and online lotteries, due to concerns regarding financial losses and addiction. Furthermore, the bill prohibits advertising of such games and bars financial institutions from facilitating related transactions. Violators face the possibility of imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 1 crore after the bill passes through Parliament.