Dream11, My11Circle of course, but will the Online Gaming Bill also ban Play Store's most downloaded mobile games? Find out

Most of India's most downloaded mobile games are safe when it comes to the new bill | X

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, is currently in the spotlight, as platforms such as Dream11, My11Circle, MPL, Winzo, GamesKraft, 99Games, KheloFantasy, Games24x7, Pokerbaazi, Rummy, and Parimatch will be banned. The bill, which was tabled in the Cabinet on Wednesday, aims to outlaw all money-based online games, irrespective of whether they involve skill or chance. Once the bill is passed, banks and financial institutions will no longer process or transfer funds for real-money online games.

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The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, also seeks to prohibit advertisements related to online money games, as well as bar banks and financial institutions from facilitating or transferring funds for any such games. For the uninitiated, an online money game is one played by a user who deposits money in the expectation of winning monetary or other enrichment.

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The bill outlaws all online betting and gambling (satta and jua) activities, from online fantasy sports to online gambling (like Poker, Rummy and other card games) and online lotteries. Once the legislation is passed by both Houses of Parliament, offering or facilitating online money gaming will be punishable by imprisonment of up to three years and/or a fine of up to Rs 1 crore.

 

Which are the most downloaded mobile games in India?

As per the Google Play Store, the most popular mobile games in India, in the order of their download count, are as follows (it is also highlighted whether they will be affected by the bill or not):

 

  • Ludo King: NO. Ludo King's revenue model is based on in-app purchases for cosmetic items and other features, not on real-money gambling. It is considered an e-sport.

  • Free Fire MAX: NO. The battle royale game, particularly preferred by budget phone users, falls under the e-sport bracket.

  • BGMI: NO. This is another battle royale game.

  • Subway Surfers: NO. The endless runner game focuses on skill and entertainment rather than gambling and falls outside the bill's scope for prohibition.

  • Candy Crush Saga: NO. While users can purchase extra moves or lives, these are not considered betting or winning monetary prizes.

  • Roblox: NO. It uses a virtual currency called Robux which is bought by users spending real money. However, this is for items and cosmetic upgrades and thus falls outside the gambling umbrella.

  • eFootball: NO. With e-sports expected to get a push, eFootball users should be more than happy.

  • EA Sports FC Mobile: NO. This is the rechristened version of the iconic 'FIFA Mobile'.

  • Clash of Clans: NO. The freemium mobile strategy game has no wagering system where players risk money to win more money.
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  • Coin Master: MAYBE. The fate of the popular casual game cannot be confirmed as things stand. 'Coin Master' combines slot machine mechanics with village building. Even though no direct cash winnings exist in the game, its mechanics are very close to gambling. Some reports suggest that there is a chance for the game to be reviewed under the "predatory or gambling-style design" section that aims to protect consumers, particularly children.

  • Call of Duty: Mobile: NO. The first-person shooter falls under the e-sports category.

  • Real Cricket™ 24: NO. This is another e-sport.

  • Monopoly Go!: MAYBE. This is another game in the grey area due to its business model, which is similar to that of fantasy sports and casino games. Earlier, Monopoly Go! has faced criticism abroad for being too close to gambling despite being “free-to-play.” Some reports claimed that since it involves dice rolls, a chance to win, and real-money purchases, it could be interpreted as a form of gambling.

  • Royal Match: NO. The match-3 puzzle game is well outside the boundaries of the bill.

  • Whiteout Survival: NO. While players can buy speed-ups, resources, and upgrades in this survival strategy game, they are cosmetic/advantage purchases, not tied to wagering or winning real money.

India