Ban-hit real money gaming companies fire 2,000 setting off a scramble for jobs

Real money gaming (RMG) companies have laid off nearly 2,000 employees following the blanket ban on the sector, according to data collated by ET. Many of these people are now seeking opportunities in adjacent industries.

The job cuts span major players such as Mobile Premier League (MPL), Head Digital, Games24x7, Zupee, and PokerBaazi.

Online gaming firm Gameskraft, which had halted all its real money operations, is also likely to lay off most of its 700 employees after October 31, said a person aware of the matter.

Several senior executives at RMG firms have also begun exploring exits as companies halt operations or pivot to new models with whatever funds remain.
Anshuman Das, cofounder and CEO of staffing firm Longhouse Consulting, estimated that 5,000-6,000 employees could ultimately be affected.

“The RMG ban is almost a death knell for the industry,” he said. “It’s game over for them. I believe about 40-50% of the workforce at least across 8-10 prominent companies will be impacted.”