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Madras HC strikes down online rummy, poker ban as unconstitutional for the second time
Economic Times
·
1y ago
Medial
The Madras High Court has struck down the law banning online real money games like rummy and poker for the second time. The court ruled that the ban can still be enforced for games of chance, but not for rummy and poker, which it classified as games of skill. The decision is seen as a validation of the online skill gaming industry's claims that such games are legitimate business activities protected under the Constitution. The Tamil Nadu government may appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
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Online gaming companies move HC against regulations
Economic Times
·
5m ago
Medial
Online gaming companies have approached the Madras High Court challenging certain provisions of the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (Real Money Games) Regulations, 2025. The companies argue that mandatory KYC verification with Aadhaar and restricted gaming hours (midnight to 5 a.m.) are unconstitutional, hindering their business rights under Article 19 (1) (g). They claim these regulations are an indirect attempt to ban skill-based games, previously struck down by the court.
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Madras HC upholds Tamil Nadu’s restrictions on real money games
Economic Times
·
2m ago
Medial
The Madras High Court upheld Tamil Nadu's restrictions on real money games, including a ban on gameplay during midnight to 5 am and mandatory Aadhaar verification. Gaming companies challenged these under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022. The court affirmed the state's regulatory authority based on public health and trade provisions. Additionally, the sector faces a 28% GST levy, with scrutiny over tax evasion amid its significant economic footprint.
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HC quashes DGGI’s ₹21k cr tax demand from Gameskraft
Livemint
·
1y ago
Medial
The Karnataka High Court has overturned a ₹21,000 crore ($2.8 billion) goods and services tax (GST) demand on Gameskraft, a Bengaluru-based online gaming company. The court ruled that the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) misinterpreted the law and that online rummy is a game of skill, not chance. The ruling is seen as a precedent for online gaming startups and may influence discussions on taxation policies for the industry by the GST Council. The verdict brings clarity and relief to the online gaming sector in India.
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Madras HC delivers shot in the arm for online pharmacies
Economic Times
·
1y ago
Medial
The Madras High Court has overturned a previous order that prohibited online pharmacies like Tata 1mg, PharmEasy, Netmeds, and Practo from engaging in digital medicine trading. This decision is seen as a positive development for online pharmacies and could have implications for similar cases. The earlier order was issued by a single-judge bench in December 2018.
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A23-parent Head Digital Works acquires Adda52 for Rs 491 Cr
Entrackr
·
5m ago
Medial
A23-parent Head Digital Works acquires Adda52 for Rs 491 Cr Online gaming company Head Digital Works (HDW), the parent company of gaming firm A23, has acquired Deltatech Gaming, the operator of online poker platform Adda52. HDW announced in a press release that the acquisition aims to strengthen its online poker portfolio. The transaction will take place in two phases for a total consideration of Rs 491 crore ($57.5 million). Initially, Head Digital Works will acquire a 51% stake in Deltatech Gaming following the merger. Post-merger, DeltaCorp Limited will retain a 5.7% stake in Head Digital Works. Through this acquisition, HDW aims to leverage Adda52’s expertise and technological capabilities to accelerate its growth in the online gaming market. Launched in 2011, Adda52 offers a poker experience with various game formats, tournaments, and cash games, attracting both casual and professional poker players across India. According to HDW, the acquisition will enhance the gaming experience, drive technological advancements, and cater to evolving user preferences. The company plans to expand its poker business, explore new growth avenues, and build a comprehensive and diversified skill-gaming platform for its customers. A23 claims to have over 75 million registered users across India and operates five games - rummy, fantasy, poker, carrom, and pool. A23’s net revenue stood at Rs 841 crore in FY24, compared to Rs 839 crore in FY23. Despite the flat revenue, controlled expenditures and increased other income helped A23 achieve a 24% rise in net profits to Rs 72 crore in FY24. In November last year, A23 also completed its first-ever employee stock options (ESOP) buyback program worth $3 million.
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Gameskraft pauses operations of Pocket52
Entrackr
·
2m ago
Medial
Gameskraft has announced a strategic pause on its poker platform, Pocket52, as part of a broader plan to reassess and redefine its approach to the poker category in India. According to the company, it aims to deliver a more focused and differentiated experience to players, aligning with its long-term strategic vision for the poker segment. “The ‘Add Cash’ feature on Pocket52 will be discontinued on May 22, 2025, and gameplay will end on May 30, 2025. The platform will remain accessible until July 2025 for withdrawals, ensuring that all existing customer funds are secure and accessible through standard processes,” the company said in a release. Gameskraft has assured that the pause will not impact its employee strength and that all communications regarding withdrawals and further updates will be sent to players. While Gameskraft did not explicitly cite the 28% GST imposed by the government on gaming startups as a reason, it cannot be ruled out as a factor behind the strategic pause. Several startups have faced layoffs and shutdowns since the implementation of the tax. Despite the operational pause, Gameskraft continues to focus on creating innovative digital experiences for players across its gaming portfolio. According to TheKredible, Gameskraft’s revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,475 crore in FY24 from Rs 2,673 crore in FY23. During the period, its profit dropped 10.8% to Rs 947 crore. Besides Pocket52, Gameskraft also runs Rummy Culture, Playship, RummyPrime, Ludo Culture, and Rummy Time.
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OneVerse continues acquisition trail, acquires Calling Station, Batball11
Thehindubusinessline
·
1y ago
Medial
Metaverse and gaming technology company OneVerse has acquired online poker platform Calling Station and fantasy sports platform BatBall11. The deal, the value of which was not disclosed, is part of OneVerse's strategy to solidify its position in the gaming market and become India's leading gaming entity. The company has recently acquired online game development studio Spartan Poker as well and plans to close a few more acquisitions within the next three months. This move comes at a time when real money gaming companies are struggling due to the impact of GST and economic challenges.
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Google suspends online gaming trial on Play Store citing lack of regulations
Livemint
·
1y ago
Medial
Google has suspended its pilot programme that allowed fantasy sports and rummy games to be listed on its Play Store. The pilot, which began in July last year and was extended to India, Brazil, and Mexico, was halted due to a lack of a "central licensing framework" for such games. Google cited the need for additional time to create its own framework and ensure the safety of users and developer partners. The decision is a setback for the online gaming sector in India and comes amidst ongoing legal battles over the classification of online games as games of skill or games of chance.
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Karnataka HC ruling: Why Centre should cap international workers’ EPF contributions
Money Control
·
1y ago
Medial
The Karnataka High Court has declared certain provisions that include international workers in the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) and pension scheme as unconstitutional. This ruling highlights the inequality between international workers and Indian employees in terms of EPF contributions and benefits. The government may challenge the ruling in the Supreme Court, but this presents an opportunity to reassess the EPF provisions for international workers. It is suggested that separate legislation be enacted, and considerations such as capping contributions and simplifying the withdrawal process are recommended to ensure fairness for international workers.
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Setback for startups: Madras HC dismisses pleas for second time against Google billing policy
Inc42
·
1y ago
Medial
The Madras High Court has dismissed appeals by startups against Google's in-app payment billing policy on the Play Store mobile app marketplace. However, the court has temporarily protected two companies and ordered Google to not delist their mobile applications for three weeks. This is the second dismissal by the court since August 2023, with the HC stating that any order passed by it will only apply to the parties involved, while directives from the Competition Commission of India would cover all affected businesses. Protected companies can appeal to the Supreme Court.
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