GamesKraft, a prominent host of real-money games like poker and rummy, is poised to be significantly impacted by the Online Gaming Bill 2025. The legislation explicitly prohibits all forms of online gambling and real-money gaming, irrespective of whether they rely on skill. This comprehensive ban directly targets GamesKraft’s core business model, potentially leading to its demise. The bill’s implications extend to payment gateways, which will be restricted from processing transactions associated with real-money play. In response, GamesKraft might consider exploring alternatives such as e-sports and social gaming models, or diversifying into ad-free gaming models with subscription fees or one-time payments. The Online Gaming Bill 2025, introduced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha on August 20th, 2025, aims to promote online social games and esports. The bill’s core provision involves a ban on all online games involving monetary stakes, including fantasy sports, card games like poker and rummy, and online lotteries. Advertisements promoting such games are also restricted, and financial institutions are barred from facilitating related transactions. Violators could face imprisonment for up to three years or fines reaching Rs 1 crore once the bill is passed by both houses of Parliament.
