Startup Originals Team
Rush, the casual real-money gaming (RMG) platform created by Hike founder Kavin Bharti Mittal, has announced a complete exit from the Indian market. The move comes immediately after the Indian Parliament passed the new online gaming bill banning all real-money online games in the country. The platform, which had scaled to over $500 million in gross revenue within just four years, will now shift its focus to the United States and other global markets.
The Trigger: India’s New Real-Money Gaming Law
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, passed swiftly by both Houses of Parliament, prohibits online money games where users can deposit funds with the expectation of winning more. This blanket ban, combined with persistent regulatory uncertainty and warnings of a GST hike to 40%, created a challenging environment for RMG operators like Rush.
Mittal commented, “The Govt of India has made its stance clear: Real Money Gaming will not be allowed. Another potential GST bump to 40% incoming, years of regulatory ambiguity, and now a bill rushed through to ban all RMG without industry consultation. The message is loud and clear. We are disappointed. Not just for ourselves, but for the entrepreneurs, developers & teams who poured their hearts and billions of dollars into building this sector.”
Rush’s Performance and Reflections:
Mittal highlighted that Rush managed to scale to over $500 million in gross revenue in just four years in India, demonstrating both the demand and growth potential of RMG platforms in the country. However, he also stressed that the government’s stance could have been communicated earlier to save billions in investments and prevent prolonged policy uncertainty.
He added that India’s rejection of RMG is not an isolated example; he pointed to the country’s similar hesitance towards cryptocurrency and emerging Web3 technologies, which leaves the promise of digital ownership and innovation uncertain for entrepreneurs.
Respecting Policy, Eye on the Future:
Despite disappointment, Kavin Bharti Mittal expressed respect for India’s moral rationale, appreciating that policymaking often involves difficult trade-offs for society’s perceived good. He emphasized, however, the need for quicker, clearer communication from authorities in future policy decisions.
Global Ambitions for Rush:
Looking ahead, Mittal declared Rush’s ambition to expand its success in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and other international markets. He outlined an ambitious goal: “Can we scale our US/global business to be bigger than India – and do it within 18–24 months?” Mittal remains optimistic, concluding, “We believe the answer is yes. It’s time to build the Gaming Nation.”
Conclusion:
Rush’s exit from India marks both the end of a significant chapter for one of the country’s fastest-growing gaming startups and a stark signal to the wider real-money gaming sector about the risks of regulatory uncertainty. As the platform sets its sights on global markets, its story highlights the evolving landscape and policy challenges facing digital entrepreneurs in India and beyond.
