PokerBaazi adopts ad model after real money gaming ban India
Moonshine Technologies has transitioned PokerBaazi to a free to play, advertisement driven and subscription based model, marking a major shift in India’s online gaming landscape. The restructuring follows the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which prohibits real money online gaming across India. Although the law has not yet formally come into force, it has already triggered significant strategic changes across the sector.
A senior official and spokesperson from Moonshine Technologies confirmed that PokerBaazi will now operate as a free to play poker platform supported by advertising revenue, with optional subscription plans for users who prefer an uninterrupted experience, according to Storyboard18.
New structure under Get Zapped Technologies
Moonshine has placed the revised business model under Get Zapped Technologies Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary incorporated in England. The free to play poker platform will continue to operate under the PokerBaazi brand, but revenues will now flow through the new structure.
Under the updated format, users can access PokerBaazi free of cost with advertisements integrated into gameplay. Users who opt for a subscription can remove advertisements and gain access to additional poker focused content and enhanced features.
The subscription plans are priced at Rs 499 ($5.50) per month or Rs 999 ($11) for three months. The company expects the model to generate revenue through a combination of advertising income and recurring subscription payments.
Regulatory reset drives strategic shift
The shift comes after Parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 in August 2025. The legislation prohibits online games involving real money stakes, effectively dismantling the core revenue model of several operators in the sector. Operators have been forced to explore alternative formats, including free to play skill based games, casual gaming and content led digital platforms.
Moonshine Technologies operated exclusively in the real money gaming segment through subsidiaries such as OpenPlay, Baazi Networks and SBN Gaming Network. The regulatory overhaul directly affected these operations.
Impact on Nazara Technologies investment
Nazara Technologies holds a 47.7 percent stake in Moonshine Technologies. Nazara acquired the stake in September 2024 for approximately Rs 832 crore ($91.7 million).
Following the enactment of the Gaming Act, Nazara reported an impairment of Rs 914.7 crore ($100.9 million) on its investment in Moonshine. The company disclosed the write down as part of its financial reporting, reflecting the impact of the regulatory changes on the real money gaming segment.
The restructuring of PokerBaazi represents one of the first major responses from a leading operator adapting to the new legal environment.
Focus on recurring digital revenue
The subscription pricing strategy positions PokerBaazi within the range of mainstream digital entertainment services. At Rs 499 ($5.51) per month, the company aims to attract loyal users who are willing to pay for an ad free and enhanced poker experience.
Legal experts have also pointed to the incorporation of Get Zapped Technologies Limited in England as a strategic move. While it remains a 100 percent subsidiary of Moonshine, the international structure may provide flexibility for governance, overseas expansion and investor alignment.
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