The Fallout of India's Online Gaming Ban on Payment Companies

The Online Gaming Bill 2025 has wiped out India’s real-money gaming industry overnight. But the ripple effects extend far beyond fantasy cricket and poker tables.

For years, payment aggregators like Razorpay, PhonePe, Cashfree, and PayU quietly powered the industry’s explosive growth. They processed deposits, payouts, and billions of rupees in prize transfers every month. Real-money gaming wasn’t just another client vertical. It was their golden goose that delivered high margins in a hyper-competitive market.

Now, with the ban in place, these fintechs face a sudden revenue void. For some, gaming accounted for as much as 30% of net revenues. The loss comes just as many are prepping for IPOs, making the timing even more brutal.

So, what does the gaming ban really mean for India’s payments industry?

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