ED Raids WinZO, Gameskraft Over Alleged Manipulated Algorithms

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on November 18, 2025, conducted a multi-city crackdown on major Indian online gaming platforms WinZO and Gameskraft, targeting 11 locations across Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. The raids are part of a widening investigation into allegations that these companies manipulated their gaming algorithms to unfairly disadvantage players, while also engaging in potential money laundering using cryptocurrencies.​

The investigation occurred just weeks after India’s Online Gaming Bill went into effect. Also known as the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, it cracked down on real-money gaming (RMG) apps, which affected WinZO and Gameskraft among other apps. The two companies were not actively operating their RMG apps at the time of the investigation. 

The ED is Investigating Manipulated Algorithms, Crypto Wallets in RMG Firms

The enforcement drive followed multiple FIRs filed by users across India, alleging that firms manipulated their platforms’ algorithms to rig outcomes and reduce player winnings. Complainants accused WinZO and Gameskraft of building opaque odds into their software, ultimately misleading gamers and giving the house a significant edge beyond fair play standards. These allegations, if proven, could amount to a breach of fair gaming practices and a violation of existing consumer and technology laws in India.​

ED officials, acting through the Bengaluru Zonal Office, raided five locations in Bengaluru, four in Delhi, and two in Gurugram linked to the companies, including both corporate offices and the homes of senior management staff such as CEOs, COOs, and CFOs. During the searches, authorities digital digital data, including servers, transaction logs, laptops, and mobile devices for forensic analysis. Significant attention was given to backend server systems and cloud storage linked to the gaming platforms’ real-money operations.​

Investigators reportedly discovered cryptocurrency wallets owned by the promoters of both firms, sparking suspicion of unreported financial flows and possible laundering via digital assets. Digital forensics teams are analyzing transaction histories to determine whether funds were diverted or used to bypass regulatory oversight.

These raids arrive amid heightened regulatory scrutiny of India’s growing online gaming industry, which has faced repeated calls for tighter oversight following rises in fraud, addiction, and consumer complaints. The action against WinZO and Gameskraft could have broader implications for the sector, especially as the government considers more stringent rules and real-money gaming apps face persistent questions about transparency and player protection.​ Both companies have thus far not issued detailed statements on the raids.