Rummy Platform A23’s Owner Launches Online Poker App Despite 28% GST Challenges

Online rummy platform A23 owner Head Digital Works is foraying into the poker segment with the launch of its A23 Poker application.

The move is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the upcoming enforcement of a 28% GST on real-money gaming platforms, scheduled to take effect on October 1.

In the last couple of years, the Indian online gaming market has witnessed a surge in the number of online poker players, driven by the increasing popularity of the game and the accessibility provided by deep internet penetration.

Recognising this trend, A23 Poker aims to cater specifically to the Indian poker fans, offering a platform tailored to their preferences and requirements.

The online poker industry which falls under the real money gaming umbrella, is estimated to have more than 3 Mn active players, as per industry estimates.

“We are thrilled to bring another flagship product to the Indian skill-gaming eco-system. With this launch, our aim is to redefine the way Indians experience online poker. I am optimistic that our learnings from building and operating rummy profitably on the back of strong data analytics and responsible gaming features, will enable us to make A23 Poker our next big successful growth lever,” Siddharth Sharma, SVP- business Strategy of Head Digital Works said.

In conjunction with the A23 Poker launch, the brand also released a new campaign featuring its brand ambassador Shah Rukh Khan.

According to Vasu Merugu, VP – product and analytics, Head Digital Works, the new product is aimed at users across India and offers features that run seamlessly even on low bandwidth and budget mobile devices.

The real-money gaming industry faces ongoing challenges, notably the imposition of a 28% GST. This has led gaming startups like MPL, Hike, and Spartan Poker to lay off staff. Additionally, Bengaluru-based Gameskraft recently discontinued its Gamezy Fantasy offering.

Nevertheless, some gaming startups remain bullish on the sector despite these tax hurdles. In a conversation with Inc42, Nazara CEO and Joint MD Nitish Mittersain indicated that the company would maintain its commitment to the sector, buoyed by greater regulatory and tax clarity.

According to a FICCI-EY report, the real money gaming segment constituted 77% of India’s gaming sector revenues in 2022, reaching INR 13,500 Cr. The report also projected that it would increase to INR 16,700 Cr in 2023 and further to INR 23,100 Cr in 2025.