Pokerbaazi Stops Real Money Online Gaming Amid Online Gaming Bill 2025 | Stock Market Today

Market Performance

The Indian stock market has been in focus this week, but beyond indices and sectoral moves, one key industry is making headlines—the online gaming sector. With the Parliament passing the Online Gaming Bill 2025 on August 21, several big names in the real money gaming space have begun winding down their operations.

Pokerbaazi Halts Real Money Gaming

In a major development, Pokerbaazi announced on Friday that it has stopped real money gaming operations, aligning with the new regulatory framework.

The company, in an official release, stated:

• “With a very heavy heart, we announce that PokerBaazi will be pausing its operations in compliance with The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.”
• Effective immediately, no real money games will be available on the platform.

Pokerbaazi further clarified that it will review its next steps once the Bill becomes law, following presidential assent.

Assurances to Users

While gameplay is paused, the company has reassured its players:

• All user funds remain completely safe.
• Wallet access and withdrawals will continue without interruption.
• The Player Relations team will remain available to address queries during this transition.

This approach signals the company’s intent to maintain user trust despite regulatory hurdles.

Nazara Technologies’ Stake in Focus

The move has also cast a spotlight on Nazara Technologies Ltd., which owns a 46.07% stake in Moonshine Technologies Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Pokerbaazi.

• This investment amounts to ₹800 crore.
• With Pokerbaazi halting real money gaming, questions around the valuation of this stake have emerged.

Nazara’s Joint MD and CEO, Nitish Mittersain, acknowledged in a media interaction that the Bill introduces uncertainty. While it is too early to gauge the full impact, he admitted that such regulatory shifts could place investments like this “at risk.”

Wider Industry Impact

Pokerbaazi is not alone. Other industry leaders, including Dream11 and My11Circle, have also announced the suspension of their real money offerings in the wake of the new Bill.

This signals a wider shake-up in India’s online gaming sector, which has witnessed exponential growth over the last decade. The next few weeks will play an important role in shaping how gaming companies adapt their compliance strategies and business models.

Summary

• Pokerbaazi halts real money gaming after the Online Gaming Bill 2025.
• User funds remain safe, with full wallet and withdrawal access.
• Nazara Technologies holds a 46.07% stake (₹800 crore) in Pokerbaazi’s parent firm.
• Industry peers like Dream11 and My11Circle have also suspended real money gaming.
• The Bill is currently pending presidential assent before it can take effect as law.