Key Moments:
- Major real-money gaming firms exited India following PROGA 2025, but some lesser-known apps remain operational on Apple’s App Store.
- Player deposits exceeding ₹7,440 crore ($845.66 million) and estimated lost government tax revenues of ₹2,082 crore ($236.49 million) have been reported within 60 days.
- The government has yet to issue a final enforcement notification, while several legal challenges are pending in the Supreme Court of India.
Regulatory Action Triggers Major Market Exit
Sweeping changes introduced by the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (PROGA) have caused leading real-money gaming (RMG) operators, including Dream11, Gameskraft, MPL, Zupee, WinZO, and Games24x7, to halt their Indian operations. These suspensions were directly attributed to compliance concerns and the lack of a final enforcement notification after the Act was passed by Parliament.
Despite the industry’s shake-up, several lesser-known platforms have filled the void. Notably, Jumbo Fantasy continues to accept new users, process deposits, and offer monetary rewards through Apple’s App Store—highlighting enforcement inconsistencies following the legislation.
Apps Operating in a Regulatory Grey Area
According to industry sources cited by Storyboard18, while leading RMG providers exited overnight, apps such as Jumbo Fantasy remain active, collecting deposits and running in a “legal grey zone.” These developments underscore challenges to both enforcement and the accountability of digital storefronts.
Multiple RMG apps have also expanded their reach by distributing Android APKs via Telegram groups and social media campaigns, adding to the complexity facing enforcement agencies.
PROGA 2025: Scope and Sanctions
The Act defines an “online money game” as any game involving skill, chance, or a combination where users pay fees, deposit money, or stake funds in expectation of financial returns, excepting esports. Key legislative measures include:
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Ban | Total prohibition on offering or advertising online money games |
| Operator Penalties | Up to three years in prison or fines up to $1.1 million |
| Advertiser Penalties | Up to two years in prison or fines up to $60,000 |
| Financial Institution Penalties | Identical sanctions for facilitating payments |
| Exceptions | Legislation promotes esports and social games |
Economic and Industry Fallout
Industry metrics for the 60 days post-enactment indicate a considerable impact, with player deposits of more than ₹7,440 crore ($845.66 million) disappearing from the regulated sector, and government tax revenue losses of approximately ₹2,082 crore ($236.49 million) reported. More than 6,500 jobs have been affected by the rapid market contraction.
The Union Cabinet’s approval of the draft bill on August 19, followed by swift passage in both Parliamentary houses within two days, left little window for industry preparedness.
Platform Accountability: Apple’s App Store Under Review
Unlike Google’s Play Store, which has consistently applied restrictions on gambling and betting apps, Apple’s approach has drawn renewed attention. Ongoing listings of real-money gaming apps have spurred calls for greater platform-level compliance with Indian law.
Industry voices highlight this as a visible enforcement gap between legislative intent and actual accountability among app marketplaces.
Uncertainties and Next Steps
The final enforcement notification for PROGA 2025 has not been released. The Supreme Court of India is also scheduled to review multiple challenges to the Act’s constitutionality brought by RMG companies.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is seeking public comment on draft rules tied to the Act, with a comment deadline of October 31, 2025. In a recent high-level meeting chaired by Secretary S. Krishnan, industry associations raised issues including the definition of “stakes” and compliance burdens for developers.
Government Endorsement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly described the legislation’s passage as a significant milestone, stating on X, “This Bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament, highlights our commitment towards making India a hub for gaming, innovation and creativity. It will encourage e-sports and online social games. At the same time, it will save our society from the harmful effects of online money games.”
- Author
Daniel Williams
