Paytm First Games in 2026: What Happened After the Real-Money Ban

Looking for Paytm First Games? In 2021 we listed five reasons to play on Paytm’s gaming platform: fantasy cricket and football tournaments, rummy and ludo, live fantasy matches, “Guru” tips and instant withdrawals of real-money winnings. That all changed in August 2025, when India’s new online gaming law banned real-money games. Here’s what Paytm First Games offers in 2026, what happened, and what it means for players.

Quick answer: Paytm First Games stopped all real-money games, including paid fantasy sports and rummy, from 25 August 2025 after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 banned online money games in India. Paytm said the platform would continue to offer free-to-play social games allowed under the Act. You can no longer deposit money, enter paid contests or win cash.

What happened to Paytm First Games?

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 bans online games where users deposit money in the hope of winning money, whether based on skill or chance. It also bars banks and payment apps from processing payments for such games and prohibits advertising them. Real-money fantasy, rummy and poker platforms across India shut down or switched to free games, and Paytm First Games discontinued its real-money business with effect from 25 August 2025.

What you could do on Paytm First Games before 2025

• Join paid fantasy cricket and football contests and win cash prizes.
• Play rummy, ludo and other card and casual games for money.
• Join live fantasy matches, picking a team for every few overs.
• Follow “Gurus” for team suggestions.
• Withdraw winnings to a bank account, UPI or Paytm wallet.

What players should do now

• Withdraw any balance: if you still had money in a gaming wallet, check the app or contact Paytm support for refunds or withdrawals.
• Avoid offshore betting apps: sites that still offer real-money games to Indian users are operating outside the law, and payments, data and winnings are at risk.
• Don’t install APKs from unknown sources: fake “gaming” APKs are a common way to spread malware. Download apps only from Google Play or the App Store.
• Play free games: free-to-play fantasy leagues, social and casual games are still allowed.

Free alternatives for fantasy and casual gaming

• Free fantasy cricket leagues run by sports broadcasters and media apps.
• Casual and social games on the Play Store or App Store with no real-money prizes.
• Official tournament apps for events like the IPL, which often run free prediction games.
• Community and fan groups on the top social networking sites in India, where many free fantasy leagues are organised.

For the official position, see the Act and notices on the Ministry of Electronics and IT website, and Paytm’s own announcements on Paytm.com.

FAQ

Is Paytm First Games closed?

Its real-money games closed from 25 August 2025. Paytm said it would continue free social games permitted under the law.

Can I still win money on fantasy cricket apps in India?

No. The 2025 Act bans online money games, including paid fantasy sports contests.

What happens to the money in my gaming wallet?

Check the app or contact customer support. Platforms were expected to let users withdraw remaining balances.