Zupee Ludo is the most prominent app in the online gaming landscape in India with over 100 million registered users and billions of gameplay sessions.
It is a self-proclaimed “skill-based” gaming platform, fusing nostalgia for old games such as Ludo with newer twists and competitive formats.
However, there have been several concerns raised concerning whether the app actually goes by skill or relies instead on elements of chance, thereby making it similar to betting.
This article delves into the mechanics of the game, marketing strategies, and why most players reportedly do lose money.
Mechanics and Gameplay: Elements of Chance
The other variations, which appear to be more skill-focused, are Ludo Supreme and Ludo Supreme League offered through Zupee’s Ludo.
The app does try to stress quick decisions and time-bound strategy but seems heavily reliant on a dice roll—a probabilistic factor of the game.
Chances of winning mostly require either high rolls or the perfect combinations, thus rendering outcomes dependent upon luck instead of pure strategic abilities.
In competitive formats such as tournaments, the randomness of the dice rolls increases the risk. For instance, one bad roll can lead to a lost game or even disqualification from a tournament.
Detractors say that this element of chance diminishes the game’s argument that it is a game of skill, and instead makes it more like gambling.
Financial Risks and Casino-Like Tactics
Zupee uses minimal entry fees and even free games to attract new players. Although initial wins may yield small amounts (for example, ₹0.7), these payouts are designed to hook players into investing more substantial sums.
This model reflects tactics used in casinos where small rewards induce prolonged engagement and higher stakes.
Moreover, the site takes a commission from winnings, so even in a win, players do not get the full amount of their earnings.
This reduces the chances of breaking even or earning profit over time. Critics estimate that 99% of players end up losing money due to the house’s inherent advantage and the probabilistic nature of the game.
Ethical and Legal Concerns
While Zupee has taken measures to position itself as a responsible gaming platform—such as imposing spending limits and promoting “responsible play”—many argue that these measures are insufficient.
The app skirts the thin line between games of skill and gambling, a debate that has led to regulatory scrutiny in India. Games with heavy reliance on chance are often classified as gambling and may be subject to restrictions.
It is marketing aggressively in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, relying on the nostalgia and cultural affinity for Ludo. Critics argue that this strategy focuses on those least aware of the financial dangers associated with these platforms.
Winning odds and experience to the player
The chances of winning on Zupee regularly are a combination of defeating randomness in dice rolls and stiff competition.
The chances of winning in tournaments or paid games are usually bad, considering that even the most skilled players cannot influence the dice roll.
Players are fighting against other players and the monetization mechanism of the app, making it impossible for most players to win in the long run.
Gambling in Disguise?
The Zupee Ludo app has brought traditional games into the digital world with a huge user base, generating great engagement.
However, its dependence on chance factors, combined with casino tactics, is a serious issue, and this game cannot really be called a skill game.
Most of the players must have thought that this game is a losing proposition when they weigh the entertainment they get from it against its financial risks.
The question is: should apps like Zupee be regulated more strictly as gambling platforms? As the industry grows, that will be an important point to address in order to protect consumers from financial harm.
For now, players should be cautious of such platforms, recognizing the great role chance plays in determining outcomes.