WinZO Online Game was once one of the most popular mobile gaming platforms in India, attracting millions of downloads and active users. Known for its wide collection of games and real-money reward system, it quickly became a household name for casual gamers.
However, in 2025 the Indian government introduced the Online Gaming Act, which banned all forms of real-money gaming (RMG). This forced WinZO to shut down its core cash-based services in India, fundamentally reshaping its business model.
This article takes a deep dive into WinZO’s key features, the impact of the ban, how players are affected, and the company’s future direction.
What Is WinZO Online Game Platform India
WinZO is a leading Indian mobile-based real-money gaming platform, founded in 2016 by Paavan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathore under TicTok Skill Games Pvt Ltd. It offers 100+ multiplayer, skill-based games across diverse genres such as casual games, card games, esports, fantasy sports, and puzzles, with strong support for vernacular languages.
With availability in over 12 regional languages and a focus on Tier 2–5 cities, WinZO aims to make gaming inclusive and locally resonant .
WinZO Features & Business Model in India
- Wide Game Selection: From Candy Crush-style titles to Carrom, Chess, Ludo, Pool, and more, WinZO serves over 100 games in five distinct formats.
- Microtransactions & Low Entry Barrier: Users can start playing for just ₹2, making the model accessible and wallet-friendly, powered by microtransactions.
- Developer-Friendly Ecosystem: Through its developer console, launched in 2020, WinZO enables studios and independent developers to host games, enhancing monetization via microtransactions rather than traditional ads or in-app purchases.
- Real-Money Gaming & Secure Payments: Users can win real cash, with quick payouts via UPI, Paytm, PayPal, and similar channels; the platform also emphasizes fairness with skill-based matching .
- Social & Vernacular Engagement: Positioning itself almost like the “Netflix of Gaming,” WinZO builds community interaction and local relevance with multilingual support and tournaments.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 (TicTok Skill Games Pvt Ltd) |
| Games Available | 100+ across casual, card, esports, fantasy, puzzle |
| Languages | 12+ regional Indian languages |
| Business Model | Microtransactions, real-money skill games |
| Key Metrics | ₹1,055cr revenue, ₹315cr profit (FY24), 200M+ users |
| Funding | >$90M total (up to Series C) |
| Regulation | GST hike, antitrust with Google, IP dispute with Hike |
The Ban on Real-Money Gaming in India
Policy Background
- In 2025, India passed the Online Gaming Act, which officially prohibits all games involving real-money stakes.
- The law was justified as a measure to prevent gambling, protect minors, and reduce addiction-related issues.
Impact on WinZO
- Removal of cash features: All games offering monetary rewards had to be discontinued in India.
- Revenue hit: A large portion of WinZO’s income was tied to RMG, which vanished overnight.
- User disappointment: Players who joined primarily for cash prizes lost interest, leading to churn.
Industry and Player Impact
Industry-level impact
- Several other Indian RMG companies, such as Dream11 and Mobile Premier League (MPL), also suffered major setbacks.
- Investor confidence in the Indian online gaming market declined, slowing down funding and expansion.
Player-level impact
- Students and young players who relied on small winnings for pocket money were cut off.
- Some players migrated to underground or illegal platforms, increasing risks.
- Casual gamers continued using WinZO but only as a free entertainment app.
WinZO’s Transformation and Future Direction
In response to the ban, WinZO pivoted to new strategies:
- ZO TV launch: A short-video platform inspired by TikTok, aiming to capture India’s entertainment audience.
- International expansion: Moving aggressively into the U.S. and other global markets where RMG is still legal.
- Non-cash games in India: Retaining casual games without monetary rewards, monetized through ads and partnerships.
- Potential esports focus: With the rise of esports in India, WinZO may explore game streaming, broadcasting, and competitive events.
WinZO no longer offers users the withdrawal feature and has instead shifted to free-to-play games.
WinZO Game Categories
| Category | Example Games | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzle | Quiz, Sudoku | Knowledge & quick thinking |
| Shooting | Space Shooter | Real-time action, competitive |
| Board | Ludo, Carrom | Popular traditional games |
| Card | Rummy, Poker | Strategy-heavy, multiplayer |
WinZO FAQ
Conclusion
For now, WinZO will not be offering any real-money games. This includes all popular titles such as card games, Ludo, Space Shooter, Rummy, and more. So, if you’re looking to earn money while playing, you may want to consider switching to another platform.
One solid option is Vegas11, regarded as one of India’s leading offshore casinos. It operates outside Indian law, holding multiple international gaming licenses, including from Malta, and strictly adheres to responsible gambling and regulatory standards.
Vegas11 offers a massive library of 10,000+ games – from Aviator, Ludo, Slots, Rummy, and Teen Patti to full-scale Sports Betting. Best of all, it guarantees 100% secure withdrawals, with payouts reaching your account in just 3–5 minutes.
