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A23 Rummy-maker moves court against law banning online money gaming
- IBJ Bureau
- Aug 29, 2025
Online gaming company Head Digital Works (A23) became the first in the industry to move against the latest Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, on Thursday. The makers of A23 Rummy Online and A23 Poker Online apps moved the Karnataka High Court, backing the industry’s claims that these games relied on skill and not gambling.
Justice B M Shyam Prasad of the Karnataka High Court heard the plea on Thursday and directed the matter to be listed for hearing on August 30.
A23’s website is categorised as gambling by internet security providers such as Fortinet.
According to the A23 apps page on Google Play Store, the description of the offering by the company, which has more than 1 crore downloads, reads: “trusted by 6 crore+ players, offers Indian rummy, fantasy sports and more games on our safe and secure app. Play and win real cash prizes today”.
The real money gaming industry was on track to hit $3.6 billion in India by 2029, and the latest move by the Centre has led to a rude awakening for the industry that is backed by major venture capital companies such as Peak XV Partners and Tiger Global.
In the court filing, A23 has stated that the law “criminalises the legitimate business of playing online games of skill, which would result in the closure of various gaming companies overnight”.
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