MPL to Lay Off 60% Staff Amid India’s Online Gaming Ban
Online Gaming Ban: Mobile Premier League (MPL) is set to lay off nearly 60% of its workforce in India following the government’s recent strict ban on online real-money gaming. This move is being seen as a major setback for India’s gaming industry, which had experienced rapid growth in recent years but now faces new challenges. The report details the impact of the government’s online paid games ban on MPL, the current state of the industry, and the company’s future strategies.
Government Takes a Strict Stand on Online Real-Money Gaming
In August 2025, the Indian government imposed a ban on online paid games, including fantasy cricket, rummy, poker, and other cash prize competitions. The decision was aimed at curbing financial risks and preventing gaming addiction among the youth. The government believes that such games not only cause economic losses for young players but also affect their mental and social stability. This policy directly impacted apps and platforms that ran cash-based games, including major names like MPL and Dream11.
MPL’s Major Downsizing Plan
MPL announced in an internal communication that it will be laying off nearly 60% of its employees in India. Approximately 300 staff members across various departments—including marketing, finance, operations, engineering, and legal—are expected to be affected. MPL CEO Sai Srinivas stated in an email to employees that this was a difficult decision but necessary given the new regulations and market conditions. He assured that affected employees would be provided with all possible support during the transition.
MPL generated nearly 50% of its revenue from India, which will now be significantly impacted due to the new rules. According to official figures, MPL’s revenue from India last year was approximately $100 million. Following this major shift, the company has decided to pivot its business towards free-to-play games and expand its presence internationally, particularly in the United States.
Impact on the Indian Online Gaming Industry
India’s online gaming industry had witnessed rapid growth over the past few years, attracting significant investment from major venture capital firms such as Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners. The industry was projected to reach $3.6 billion by 2029, but the new restrictions have slowed this growth.
Following the ban, major platforms like MPL and Dream11 immediately shut down their cash-based gaming sections. Dream11, valued at around $8 billion, also ceased offering cash prize games through fantasy cricket. Several other paid poker, rummy, and cash gaming apps have either halted their services or are on the verge of closure.
The ban has also had a substantial impact on employment. Beyond MPL, several other gaming companies are either reducing their workforce or may be forced to do so, as cash-based gaming is no longer legal in India.
Legal Challenges and Industry Response
The Indian government recently implemented strict laws on online real-money gaming, which several companies have challenged. However, MPL and Dream11 have avoided legal battles and are shifting their business focus in compliance with the new regulations. Meanwhile, some companies, such as A23, have taken the matter to court.
Sources indicate that MPL and its competitors are now pivoting from cash-based games in India to a free-to-play model, allowing users to play without spending money. This represents a significant shift in business models, with companies now relying more on content and advertising revenue.
MPL’s New Strategies and Future Plans
Despite the anticipated decline in revenue from India, MPL has revealed plans to rapidly expand its international business. The company is particularly focusing on the U.S. market, promoting free-to-play games, multiplayer gaming, and experimental game formats.
Additionally, MPL is strengthening its technology infrastructure and developing new games to enhance the user experience. The company aims to build an attractive global gaming ecosystem leveraging its technological capabilities.
Challenges for Employees and the Industry
The situation poses significant challenges for MPL’s Indian employees. The layoff of around 300 staff members represents a considerable impact on the job market. While the company has committed to providing support and counseling for affected employees, the broader industry faces a major setback.
Experts in the sector believe that the government’s ban aims to make the gaming industry more responsible and regulated. However, it is expected to significantly affect small and mid-sized gaming startups.
Conclusion
The government’s restrictions on online real-money gaming in India have had a major impact on both the gaming industry and employment. Leading platforms like MPL have decided to lay off nearly 60% of their India-based workforce, reflecting the profound changes in the online gaming landscape. MPL’s situation highlights how challenging it is for companies to adapt to significant market shifts.
For now, MPL is focusing on international markets and exploring new business models. It remains to be seen how the future of online gaming in India will evolve under this changing regulatory environment and whether companies can fully re-establish their operations in the country.
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