The demand for money-earning apps in India is still very high, but the rules have now changed. Under the new 2025 Online Gaming Act, apps that let you earn money directly through betting or luck-based games are banned. However, you can still enjoy gaming in a safe and legal way.
Games that are based on skills, education, or rewards are still allowed. This means you can play games that actually improve your skills, win exciting rewards, and even explore careers in e-sports or streaming. In this article, we’ll share the top legal gaming options that are fun, rewarding, and 100% safe to play.
Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025
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From August 2025, India has introduced a new law called the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill. Under this law, all real-money online games are now banned, whether they are based on luck or skill. This includes fantasy cricket, rummy, poker, ludo cash, or any other game where you put in money to win more money.
If anyone is found playing or promoting such games, they can face heavy fines and even jail. So, it’s important to completely stay away from these platforms.
The good news is that you can still enjoy safe and legal options like e-sports, learning-based games, or fun social games that don’t involve cash deposits or payouts.
Why Gaming Apps to Earn Money Are Banned in India
Online gaming in India has grown very fast. While casual games are fun and safe, real-money games, where players put in money to win cash, started creating big problems. To stop these risks, the government has put a full ban on money-based online games.
Main Reasons for the Ban
1. Addiction and Mental Health
Real-money games were designed to keep players hooked with rewards and flashy features. Many young people and even adults started spending too much time and money, leading to stress, addiction, and even depression.
2. Financial Loss and Debt
These apps worked like gambling. Thousands of people lost their savings and even borrowed money, hoping to win back what they lost. This created serious money problems for families.
3. Misleading Advertisements
The ads made these apps look like an “easy way to earn money from home.” But in reality, most players ended up losing money instead of earning.
4. No Safety or Rules
Most of these platforms had little to no proper checks. Many users complained about fraud, non-payment of winnings, and misuse of personal details. With no strong laws, players were left unprotected.
5. Protecting Students and Families
Young people and vulnerable groups were the most affected. The ban was introduced to protect them and to make sure gaming stays about fun and learning, and not about losing money.
List of Apps That Have Stopped Real Money Games
1. MPL
2. My11Circle
3. Winzo
4. Paytm First Games
5. Dream11
6. Rummy Circle
7. PokerBaazi
8. A23 Games
9. KhelPlay Rummy
10. Rummy Time
We’ll update this list as more info becomes available on other platforms, stopping real money games.
Money Earning Game Alternatives in 2025
With the new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, all real-money games are banned in India. This means the old money earning apps where you deposit money to win cash are no longer allowed. But the good news is you can still enjoy gaming and earn rewards in safe and legal ways.
Here are the top alternatives you can try:
1. Reward-Based Gaming Apps
These apps don’t give cash, but they reward you with points, coupons, cashback, or vouchers that still have real value.
- Google Opinion Rewards – Earn Play Store credits by answering simple surveys and quizzes.
- Spin to Win – Spin daily to win cashback or discount coupons.
- Swagbucks-style apps (India versions) – Play games or do small tasks and get gift cards.
Safe to use because you don’t need to deposit money or place bets.
2. E-Sports and Competitive Gaming
E-sports is one of the fastest-growing fields in gaming. Many Indian players are already earning lakhs every month through it.
- Join tournaments for popular games like BGMI, Free Fire MAX, Valorant, Call of Duty.
- Win prize money and sponsorships in official competitions.
- Stream your matches live on YouTube or Twitch and earn from ads, donations, and fans.
If you’re passionate about gaming, this can even turn into a full-time career.
3. Educational and Skill-Building Games
Some games don’t just entertain, they also teach you skills that you can later earn from.
- Duolingo – Learn new languages and use that skill for online teaching jobs.
- CodeCombat – Play coding games and improve programming skills for freelancing or jobs.
- Chess & Puzzle Apps – Take part in legal chess tournaments or even start coaching.
These games sharpen your brain while opening up real earning opportunities.
4. Streaming and Game Content Creation
Love playing games? Why not share it with the world?
- Platforms like YouTube Gaming, Twitch, and Facebook Gaming let you earn from ads, super chats, memberships, and sponsorships.
- You don’t need to be a pro. Casual and trending games also get views.
- With time, you can build a loyal audience and turn gaming into a steady income.
This is one of the safest and most rewarding ways to make money from gaming.
Affiliate Marketing Through Gaming
In 2025, one of the smartest and safest alternatives to money earning games is affiliate marketing. Instead of playing risky cash games, you can earn money by promoting gaming products, apps, and accessories online.
With affiliate marketing, you don’t need to spend any money. You simply share product links, and whenever someone buys through your link, you earn a commission.
How It Works with EarnKaro
Step 1: Join EarnKaro for Free
Sign up on EarnKaro and get access to 150+ top sites like Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, and Reliance Digital.
Step 2: Pick Gaming Products & Deals
Choose from gaming laptops, consoles, headphones, mobile accessories, or subscription cards listed on these platforms.
Step 3: Create & Share Your Profit Links
Turn any product link into your own EarnKaro Profit Link. Share it with friends, family, or gaming groups on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, or even YouTube.
Step 4: Earn Commission
Every time someone makes a purchase using your link, you earn a commission. Once you reach ₹10 in confirmed earnings, you can transfer it straight to your bank account.
Why It’s the Best Alternative
- 100% Legal & Safe – No gambling, no deposits, no risk.
- Perfect for Gamers – Promote products like gaming PCs, consoles, or accessories.
- Unlimited Earning – The more you share, the more you earn.
- Great for Creators – Streamers, YouTubers, and bloggers can easily monetize their audience.
For example, if you’re a gaming YouTuber, you can add EarnKaro links in your video description for the gaming mouse, keyboard, or headphones you use. Whenever viewers buy through your link, you make money and it is completely legal and risk-free.
Tips to Stay Safe in 2025
Now that real-money games are banned in India, many people are unsure which apps are safe. Here are some easy tips to help you enjoy gaming without any risk:
1. Stay Away from Real-Money Apps
Any app that asks you to put in money to win cash is now illegal. Even if it says “skill-based,” it can still get you in trouble. Play only reward-based or fun games.
2. Check Before You Download
Make sure the app is allowed under e-sports, social games, or educational games. If you see “cash earning game” in the title, avoid it. It’s probably banned.
3. Use Only Trusted Platforms
Always download games from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or official websites. Don’t use random APKs, as they can be unsafe or illegal.
4. Focus on Long-Term Options
Instead of chasing quick money, try e-sports, streaming, or affiliate marketing (like EarnKaro). These are safe, legal, and can actually help you build income over time.
5. Protect Your Personal Info
Never share your bank details, UPI ID, or personal data with unknown apps. Genuine gaming apps will never ask for unnecessary information.
6. Keep Gaming Balanced
Remember, gaming should be fun or a way to grow skills and not an addiction. Set time limits and enjoy it in a healthy way.
Conclusion
The time of cash-based gaming apps is gone, but people still look for the best money earning apps. The good news is you can still enjoy and earn by choosing safer options like e-sports, reward apps, and affiliate marketing. Just avoid banned platforms and stick to games that give real value without risks. Start with small steps, try new methods, and make gaming a smart and safe way to earn in 2025.
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