Real money gaming ban leaves 2,000+ workers searching for new jobs

Resumes from employees in the gaming sector have surged in the job market after the recent ban on online money games left many professionals uncertain about their careers. “More than 2,000 professionals are currently on the lookout for opportunities,” Aditya Narayan Mishra, MD and CEO at staffing firm CIEL HR told The Times of India (ToI).

Following Parliament’s clearance of the Online Gaming Bill last week, real money gaming (RMG) companies such as Dream11, Zupee, and Gameskraft have wound down their RMG operations, impacting revenues and employee sentiment.

“There haven’t been wide-spread layoffs yet; firms are trying to pivot, diversify, and expand to overseas markets, but the ban has created a sense of uncertainty among employees,” said Neelabh Shukla, chief business officer at Careernet told ToI.

While gaming associations estimate that the online skill gaming sector generates over 2 lakh direct and indirect jobs, staffing firms suggest the number of direct jobs is only in the few thousands. The challenge is especially significant for non-tech and non-engineering roles, where opportunities in the broader job market are limited.

“In gaming, digital content and digital marketing are two big non-tech departments. For people in these roles, finding new opportunities internally or externally will be difficult,” Shukla added. On the other hand, tech professionals and niche specialists are expected to remain in high demand as RMG companies pivot and explore new business models, continuing to command competitive salaries.

Real money online gaming ban

Following Parliament’s passage of the Online Gaming Bill, 2025, major real-money online gaming platforms including Dream11, My11Circle, WinZO, Zupee, PokerBaazi, and MPL have suspended all cash-based gaming offerings. The bill imposed a blanket ban on online money games while promoting e-sports and social gaming. Companies assured users that deposited funds remain safe and accessible for withdrawals.The legislation has sparked mixed reactions within the industry. While some welcome the clear regulatory framework, experts and industry players warn that the ban could impact revenue-generating segments, particularly in mobile gaming and tournament-based platforms.India’s gaming sector is a significant contributor to the global market, accounting for 20% of global gaming users and 15.1% of app downloads. Valued at USD 3.7 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 9.1 billion by 2029, the sector has attracted nearly USD 3 billion in foreign investment over the last five years and houses 1,888 gaming startups.

Industry bodies, including AIGF, EGF, and FIFS, have urged the government to consider the economic potential of the online skill gaming industry, which has an enterprise valuation of over Rs 2 lakh crore and annual revenue exceeding Rs 31,000 crore.

With inputs from ToI