The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth ₹1,906 crore belonging to Gameskraft as part of a money laundering investigation into the company’s real-money gaming operations. The agency claims that these platforms created an ‘addictive’ gaming environment that encourages players to spend money repeatedly.
According to an official statement, the action was taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on July 22, in connection with the RummyCulture, RummyPrime, Playship, and RummyTime apps. With this latest attachment, total seizures and asset attachments in the case have reached approximately ₹2,401 crore.
The ED alleges that these real-money gaming platforms were part of an illegal online betting and gaming network operated through the company’s platforms. The investigation revealed that Gameskraft and RummyTime Technologies had a user base of around 3 crore players, primarily in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
The agency further claims that the platforms typically earn revenue by charging a platform commission of 10–15% from players. Additionally, the ED asserts that the firms used BOTs — automated programs and algorithms — to play against users who were unaware of the operating process.
In its statement, the ED said, “These unscrupulous practices of the companies have created an addictive gaming environment that encouraged repeated wagering, thereby enabling the companies to generate huge proceeds of crime in the form of platform commission.”
Compliance Challenges for Gaming Startups
The Gameskraft case underscores the increased regulatory scrutiny facing the online gaming industry. As real-money gaming expands across India, companies are facing tougher checks on how they manage player funds, taxes, and legal compliance.
The ED’s action could have lasting implications for India’s real-money gaming sector. Companies may now be more cautious about adhering to financial and legal rules to avoid similar investigations.