ED Accuses WinZO of Using AI Technology to Manipulate Real-Money Gaming Outcomes
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made serious allegations against popular online gaming platform WinZO, claiming the company deployed sophisticated artificial intelligence technology to manipulate outcomes in its real-money games. According to a prosecution complaint filed before a special court in Bengaluru under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the gaming platform allegedly used AI-driven bots, algorithmic player profiles, and simulated gameplay data to influence game results.
Complaint Filed Against Company and Directors
The ED stated that it filed the complaint on January 23 against WinZO, its directors Paavan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathore, and the company's wholly owned Indian and overseas subsidiaries. These subsidiaries include entities based in the United States and Singapore, indicating the international scope of the investigation.
According to the agency's complaint, WinZO hosted more than 100 real-money games on its mobile application and claimed a substantial user base of approximately 25 crore players. The platform reportedly drew a significant portion of its users from tier-3 and tier-4 cities across India, where real-money gaming has seen explosive growth in recent years.
Systematic Manipulation Through Technology
The gaming platform charged users a commission on betting amounts while publicly assuring players that its games were completely free of bots and operated with full transparency. However, the ED alleges that its investigation revealed systematic manipulation of gameplay through advanced technological means.
The agency's analysis of game codebases, internal company communications, and third-party developer agreements reportedly showed that until December 2023, several games were embedded with bots that directly competed against real users. These AI-driven bots were allegedly designed to influence game outcomes and potentially affect player success rates.
Evolution of Manipulation Tactics
Between May 2024 and August 2025, the company allegedly shifted its approach to manipulation. Instead of using active bots, WinZO reportedly began simulating gameplay using historical match-play data of dormant or inactive users. These simulated profiles were then pitted against active players without their knowledge or consent, creating what appeared to be genuine multiplayer experiences.
To conceal these practices, the use of bots and simulated players was allegedly described internally using coded terminology:
- "EP" (Engagement Play) - referring to bot-driven gameplay designed to maintain user engagement
- "PPP" (Past Performance of Player) - relating to the use of historical player data to create simulated opponents
- "Persona" - describing the algorithmic player profiles used in the manipulation scheme
The ED's allegations suggest a sophisticated system designed to maintain the appearance of legitimate multiplayer gaming while potentially influencing outcomes through technological manipulation. The case represents a significant development in the regulation of India's rapidly growing online gaming industry, particularly concerning real-money gaming platforms operating across multiple jurisdictions.
