Rummy Culture Under Threat: Online Gaming Bill 2025 May Spell Doom for GamesKraft

The Online Gaming Bill 2025 presents a serious challenge to GamesKraft, a major platform for real-money games like poker and rummy. The bill’s sweeping ban on online gambling and real-money gaming, regardless of the skill involved, places GamesKraft’s central operations at risk. The implications are substantial, potentially leading to the company’s shutdown. Furthermore, the bill restricts payment gateways from handling transactions linked to real-money play, further complicating GamesKraft’s business model. In light of these changes, GamesKraft may need to pivot towards alternative strategies, such as exploring e-sports and social gaming opportunities, or adopting ad-free gaming models supported by subscriptions or one-time fees. The Online Gaming Bill 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 20th, 2025, by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The primary objective of the bill is to encourage online social games and esports. The legislation prohibits all online games involving monetary stakes, encompassing fantasy sports, card games like poker and rummy, and online lotteries. The bill also restricts advertisements for these games and prohibits banks and financial institutions from facilitating related transactions. Individuals found in violation of the bill may face imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, following the passage of the bill by both Houses of Parliament.