A23 used to be the most popular rummy app in India. However, it currently feels like just another app consuming your storage space. That ‘Cash Games Suspended’ message is a total vibe killer, right? Still, A23 became a top app for a reason—and that’s why players are still wondering whether the tournaments will continue.
This article explains the current status of A23 Rummy—whether tournaments and rewards are still available, and how you can keep playing during this uncertain time.
To be honest, A23 is in a pretty awkward spot right now. After the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill 2025 came out, all Rummy platforms in India were forced to stop real-money games.
The regulation bill hit the parent company hard, forcing Head Digital Works to lay off 500 employees. But unlike most competitors, Head Digital Works is the only one fighting back.
They have filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court, ready to challenge the government.

More apps banned for real-money gaming: How RummyCulture Dares Pay 3 Months Post-Ban?
A23 Rummy tournaments are among the biggest in India, and the 2025 Rummy Indian Open (RIO) Season 3 has already kicked off.
It began on August 1, with online qualifiers running until September 30 and the offline finals scheduled for October 12.
Even after the Online Gambling Bill 2025 was passed on August 22, A23 quickly adapted by shifting RIO into a free-to-play format.
So this year, there are no cash prizes. Instead, the winners will get:

Personally, this is how I think A23 will be like in the short term:
Likely to Continue
Likely to Stop
Right now, deposits are not allowed. But A23 has assured players that their wallet balance is safe, and you may proceed with your withdrawal with confidence.
You can withdraw smoothly through UPI or bank transfer. If your KYC is cleared, the money usually comes the same day or the next day.
KYC verification is required before withdrawal. You need to submit ID proof (like Aadhaar or PAN) and complete Aadhaar OTP verification. This is required by Tamil Nadu regulations as well as for platform security.
Withdrawal Methods:
UPI: Supports Gpay, Paytm, PhonePe, etc. Enter your UPI ID and withdrawal amount, submit, and usually the money arrives the same day via IMPS.
Bank Transfer: Supports NEFT. You need to provide account details (account number and IFSC code). Usually credited the next working day, but not available on 2nd and 4th Saturdays or bank holidays.
Withdrawal Steps:

Need Help?
Send an email to [email protected] or call 1860-258-1234.
Customer support is available at these timings:
See Also: Will MPL Shut Down, and Will Cash Games & Deposits Return?
Right now, A23 Rummy is only available in free mode, so players can still enjoy Rummy without real money.
Tournaments like RIO Season 3 are also running, so there’s still a competitive thrill. Here’s how to get started:
A23 offers several Rummy variants, all free to play now:
Join public tables or private tables with friends. Since there’s no cash at stake, it’s all about skill and fun. If you run out of Play Chips, you can refill for free anytime.

The main event is Rummy Indian Open (RIO) Season 3, running from August 1 to September 30, 2025 online, with offline finals on October 12 in Goa.
How to Participate:
Want to stand out in A23 Rummy tournaments and grab the top spot? Don’t worry, here’s a practical, easy-to-follow guide!
A Pure Sequence is 3–5 consecutive cards of the same suit without a Joker (e.g., ♠5-♠6-♠7). It’s your lifesaver—without it, you could lose a full 80 points!
How to do it: Focus on building sequences early. If you have ♥5-♥6, try to draw ♥4 or ♥7. Ignore the Joker at first.
In Pool Rummy, Pure sequences can keep your score low and allow you to survive longer. In Points Rummy, it lets you declare safely.
Jokers (printed or wild) are powerful, but don’t waste them. Use them on high-value cards (A, K, Q, J—each 10 points) or to complete key sequences or sets.
How to do it: If you have Q♠-Q♥, use a Joker as Q♣ to complete the set. Or ♥8-Joker-♥10, with Joker as ♥9. Avoid low cards like 2 or 3.
In tournaments, quick declarations matter. A Joker can help you finish faster than your opponents, especially in finals.
Every turn, you discard one card. Don’t just throw any card—watch what others pick or discard to guess their hand.
How to do it: If opponents discard a lot of ♦, you can also discard ♦ (they may not need that suit). If they pick ♥7, don’t discard ♥6 or ♥8—they might be forming a sequence.
Tournament players gather info. Smart discards can slow down opponents and give you an edge.
If your hand is bad (e.g., A♠-3♥-8♣, no sequence, no Joker), don’t force it!
How to do it: First Drop (early round) costs 20 points, Middle Drop (midway) costs 40 points—better than losing 80. If no sequence forms in the first 30 seconds, drop and save energy for the next game.
In Pool Rummy, avoiding high score penalties keeps you in the tournament longer.
Read More: How to Play Rummy Online? Master the Rules & Valid Rummy Sets!
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