India’s gaming landscape is set for a major transformation with the introduction of The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. Industry leaders believe this law will redirect investments from real-money gaming (RMG) to esports and casual games, creating a more structured and sustainable ecosystem.
Rajan Navani, founder and CEO of JetSynthesys, highlights how this shift will benefit the sector. “Until now, most foreign investments flowed into real-money gaming because of higher financial returns. But with the government’s new focus on social gaming and esports, capital will now move toward casual games and competitive esports. That gives us a great deal of confidence,” he says.
The law brings much-needed clarity by clearly distinguishing RMG from other gaming forms. Navani adds, “It sets out what the government intends to promote and what it wants to phase out. That distinction is the biggest positive outcome.”
The impact of the RMG ban is already visible. Major platforms such as Dream11, MPL, Zupee, Games24x7, and others have either suspended or completely shut down their real-money gaming operations. While concerns around job losses and investment shifts dominate discussions, industry leaders are looking ahead at new opportunities.
“Few people are talking about what the government has chosen to promote through this law. Casual gaming serves as a funnel into esports, where players evolve into athletes who may one day win medals for the country,” explains Navani.
The global stage is also opening up for esports. The first Olympic Esports Games, slated for 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will mark a historic milestone for competitive gaming. This presents a massive opportunity for India to carve out a leadership position.
Rajesh Sethi from PwC India emphasizes the country’s potential. “Indian companies should aspire to be global game developers, similar to nations that have dominated esports and casual gaming. We have the talent, creativity, and tech stack to support world-class game development. With innovation and regulatory clarity, India can become a creator hub for the world.”
This shift represents more than just a regulatory change—it’s a strategic move toward fostering a thriving gaming economy. With esports gaining recognition and casual games set for growth, the Indian gaming industry is poised for evolution. Investors, developers, and players alike can look forward to a new era of opportunities.