Zupee Lays Off 170 Employees After India’s Ban On Online Money Game

Online gaming company Zupee announced laying off 170 employees, nearly 30 per cent of its workforce.

The decision followed the government’s August Bill banning online games involving money.

Consequently, Zupee joined other real-money gaming firms like Games 24×7, Baazi Games and Mobile Premier League in cutting employees.

Founder and CEO Dilsher Singh Malik said the layoffs were necessary to adapt to the changed regulatory framework. He appreciated the departing employees’ contributions, emphasising they had been an integral part of Zupee’s journey throughout.

Additionally, Gurugram-based Zupee said that besides notice period payment, extra financial assistance will depend on employees’ years of service.

Health and Insurance benefits will remain active for the full term, even after employees exit from Zupee.

To further support the impacted staff, the company established a ₹1 crore medical support fund, ensuring additional security measures.

Accordingly, Zupee promised to rehire the affected workers whenever new roles or opportunities become available within the organisation.

The government’s newly enacted law criminalises online money games requiring deposits, imposing heavy penalties and even imprisonment.

The new law impacted the country’s $3.8 billion gaming industry.

The legislation threatened nearly 2 lakh jobs, ₹25,000 crore foreign direct investment and ₹20,000 crore potential tax revenue.

Those advertising, sponsoring or promoting such banned games will face penalties of two years imprisonment and ₹50 lakh fine.

While Zupee assures support, the wider gaming industry is grappling with uncertainty, job losses and regulatory burdens after August’s Bill.

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