Real Money Gaming Goes Mainstream As ONDC Expands Reach

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is bringing Real Money Gaming (RMG) platforms onto its network, creating a win-win scenario for both. By offering a diverse array of products and services through its platform, ONDC aims to bolster the RMG sector. The move is expected to strengthen user trust and confidence in these pay-to-play platforms, as their association with ONDC, a government-backed entity adds credibility.

Since its launch in 2021, ONDC has seen significant growth, onboarding over 500,000 sellers, with over 70 per cent being small to medium-sized businesses. In April 2024 alone, the platform facilitated around 7.22 million transactions. Recently, Zupee, backed by investors such as WestCap Group, Tomales Bay Capital, Nepean Capital, AJ Capital, Matrix Partners India (now Z47) and Orios Venture Partners also joined the ONDC network.

"We are delighted to partner with ONDC and be listed on the platform. This collaboration strengthens our efforts to responsibly bring the joy of playing culturally relevant Indian games to a larger audience", said Dilsher Singh Malhi, Founder and CEO of Zupee.

In May 2024, WinZO also joined forces with ONDC, allowing ONDC to feature its services on the WinZO Store. The partnership makes ONDC’s offerings accessible to WinZO's extensive user base of 175 million.

Paavan Nanda, Co-Founder of WinZO stated, “Just as UPI revolutionized payments in 2018 and paved the way for companies like ours to scale across 175 million gamers, we envision that the integration of WinZO and ONDC will allow many more companies to innovate on this growing digital commerce platform.”

As per sources, an ONDC spokesperson shared that the platform is working to create a democratised digital commerce ecosystem aimed at benefiting the industry. The initiative will expand entertainment access to a broader user base in India, offering them a diverse range of products and services at competitive prices through a unified platform. The spokesperson also mentioned that ONDC is currently in discussions with several other gaming platforms across the country, with plans for these RMG players to join the network once they have the necessary infrastructure in place.

Roland Landers, CEO of the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), said, "The onboarding of Real Money Gaming companies on the ONDC marks a significant step towards democratising digital access and fostering innovation in the gaming sector."

"By leveraging ONDC’s open network, RMG platforms can expand their reach, enhance transparency, and provide players with a more secure and seamless experience. As a rapidly growing industry, we at the AIGF believe this move will not only benefit gaming companies but also contribute to the broader goal of promoting a digital-first economy in India. We are excited to see how this development will support the responsible and sustainable growth of the sector", Landers added.

ONDC has integrated several companies offering services across various categories, including grocery, beauty and personal care, electronics and appliances, home and kitchen, health and wellness, and fashion. Recently, the platform onboarded 125 ecosystem stakeholders, including startups and prominent unicorns. Among the unicorns that have signed Letters of Intent (LoI) to collaborate with ONDC are well-known names such as Zerodha, EaseMyTrip, Pristyn Care, Cars24, Physics Wallah, PolicyBazaar, OfBusiness, Livspace, and GlobalBees.