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After the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 became law, all real-money online games are now banned across India.
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WinZO has suspended its real-money gaming formats nationwide.
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The concept of “banned states” no longer applies—money games are prohibited in every Indian state and union territory.
What exactly changed in 2025?
The Indian Parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, and it received Presidential assent on August 22, 2025.
The Act:
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Bans all real-money online games (any game that requires money deposits with the expectation of winnings).
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Prohibits advertisements and blocks banks/payment gateways from processing such transactions.
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Enforces criminal penalties—up to 3 years’ jail and fines up to ₹1 crore for violations, with even stricter penalties for repeat offenders.
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Sets up a central regulatory body to promote e-sports and social/casual games.
This marked a nationwide shutdown of real-money formats by platforms like Dream11, MPL, and WinZO.
“Banned States” for WinZO in 2025: The Real Picture
Before 2025 (State-by-State Rules)
Earlier, real-money gaming was subject to state-level laws, creating confusion:
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Telangana and Andhra Pradesh had blanket bans.
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Tamil Nadu prohibited rummy and poker through a dedicated law (upheld in 2025).
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Karnataka attempted a ban in 2021, struck down in 2022, but later considered fresh restrictions.
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Sikkim and Nagaland ran licensing regimes for skill-based games.
So, depending on your state, WinZO’s real-money formats were either allowed, restricted, or outright banned.
After 2025 (Central Ban)
With the new central law in force, real-money games are now banned nationwide. That means WinZO’s paid contests are unavailable everywhere in India, regardless of earlier state differences.
WinZO’s Response
WinZO has announced the withdrawal of its real-money offerings to comply with the new law. For users, this means:
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No new paid contests or deposits.
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Access to withdraw existing wallet balances (check the app for specific timelines).
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Continued availability of free-to-play and social games.
Importantly, WinZO stated this move would not lead to job cuts, focusing instead on non-money-based gaming formats.
What Remains Legal to Play?
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E-sports (e.g., BGMI, Valorant, Free Fire tournaments without monetary stakes).
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Casual/social games (e.g., Ludo, Candy Crush, other free-to-play modes).
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Any WinZO format with money deposits, wagers, or cash prizes.
Impact on Users, Creators & Sponsors
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Users: Can no longer play money-based games but may continue with free versions. Existing wallet balances can be withdrawn.
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Creators: Promotions and endorsements for real-money apps carry legal risks, so many will shift to e-sports or social game content.
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Brands & Sponsors: With ad bans on money-gaming platforms, sponsorship focus will move toward e-sports and casual gaming ecosystems.
Read More:
Dream11 Banned States in India
My11Circle Banned States in India
FAQs
Q1: Is WinZO banned in Telangana/Andhra/Tamil Nadu/Karnataka, etc.?
A: Yes—but not just in those states. After the 2025 law, WinZO’s money games are banned nationwide.
Q2: Can I still play free games on WinZO?
A: Yes. Free-to-play/social games that don’t involve staking money are still legal.
Q3: Will this law be challenged in court?
A: Some companies may explore legal challenges, but as of now, the law is in force and fully binding.
Q4: Why did the government ban money gaming?
A: The reasons include curbing addiction, preventing financial distress, addressing fraud and money laundering risks, and encouraging a shift toward e-sports.
Bottom Line
If you’re wondering “Which states have banned WinZO?”, the answer in 2025 is simple: all of India has banned WinZO’s money-based formats. What remains are free-to-play and social games, while the real-money gaming model is no longer legal anywhere in the country.
source: Online Gaming Bill 2025 passed
