Bengaluru-based gaming platform Mobile Premier League (MPL) will lay off approximately 60% of its India-based workforce, equating to around 300 out of 500 employees, following the government’s new ban on real-money online gaming
This sweeping decision underscores the profound impact of the crackdown, which also led MPL’s co-founder to confirm that the company expects zero revenue from India in the near future
Why This Layoff is a Turning Point
- Regulatory Shock: The government’s recent enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 banned paid formats including fantasy cricket, rummy, and poker, disrupting a sector previously valued at $3.6 billion by 2029
- Revenue Collapse: India contributed approximately $100 million annually and made up 50% of MPL’s total revenue. With the ban now in effect, the company anticipates no income from India going forward
- Strategic Pivot: MPL will shift its business model toward free-to-play gaming in Europe and paid gaming markets like the U.S. and Brazil to mitigate losses and preserve operations.
- Support for Affected Staff: In an internal email, CEO Sai Srinivas said the layoffs are being carried out “with a heavy heart” and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to assisting affected employees during this transition.
Summary Table
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Workforce Reduction | 60% cut (~300 of 500 staff) |
| Reason | Ban on real-money online gaming |
| India Revenue Impact | 50% of total ($100M/year) |
| New Focus Markets | Europe (free-to-play), U.S., Brazil |
| Employee Support | Internal assistance promised by CEO |
