Winzo Bets on Short-Video Platform ZO TV After RMG Ban in India
- Winzo exits real-money gaming in India after new law bans all online money games.
- Expands to the US and launches short-video platform ZO TV for its 250M users.
- Joins peers like Dream11, MPL, Zupee, Probo in pivoting to new models post-ban.
Gurugram-based gaming company Winzo has announced its expansion to the United States, just days after shutting down its real-money gaming (RMG) offerings in compliance with India’s new online gaming law. The company has also unveiled a short-form video content platform called ZO TV.
Winzo Co-founder Saumya Singh Rathore shared on LinkedIn, “We’re on a mission to bring the most exciting, localised short drama series to our 250 million users on WinZO. The scale is massive, the opportunity is real, and we’re moving fast, with all the energy and excitement this deserves”.
With the US launch, Winzo now operates in three of the world’s top four gaming markets. The United States, being the largest gaming market globally in terms of revenue, marks a significant step for the company. Winzo first entered the Brazilian market two years ago and is now aiming to bring Indian game developers to the US through its plug-and-launch distribution model.
Founded in 2018, Winzo reported an operating revenue of Rs 1,055 crore for the fiscal year ending March 2024. The company’s move to overseas markets and shift to short-form dramas follows the passing of The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which received the President’s assent on August 22, 2025.
The new law imposes a blanket ban on all online money games in India, whether games of skill or chance. It also applies to offshore RMG platforms accessible from India. In response, Winzo stated, “In compliance with the new law, we are responsibly withdrawing impacted offerings w.e.f. 22nd August 2025; all service providers’ dues will be honoured; and all user balances will be safely refunded without any loss to a single user”.
Winzo also emphasized that while it expands globally, it will continue serving Indian users through multiple offerings, even as it responsibly withdraws services impacted by the new regulations.
The shift is not unique to Winzo. Dream11, India’s largest fantasy sports platform and the Indian cricket team’s main jersey sponsor, has informed employees it will wind down real-money operations and is reportedly launching a gold loan service under Dream Money. Other RMG platforms like Zupee, Probo, and Mobile Premier League (MPL) have also pivoted entirely to free-to-play social games to comply with the new law.
This rapid industry-wide transformation highlights the significant impact of India’s new online gaming regulations. While real-money gaming is now banned, companies are exploring new avenues such as global expansion, free-to-play games, and digital entertainment content to maintain growth and engage users.
