Mumbai, India – February 2025: The Indian online gaming industry is undergoing significant consolidation. Head Digital Works (HDW), the operator of A23, has officially acquired Deltatech Gaming Ltd (DGL), the parent company of Adda52, for ₹491 crore. This landmark deal will reshape the online poker landscape in India and strengthen HDW’s position in the real-money gaming industry.
Adda52: A Pioneer in India’s Online Poker Scene
Adda52 has been a trailblazer in the Indian online poker space. Launched in 2011, it introduced real-money poker to Indian players, shaping a professional poker ecosystem. Over the years, it attracted thousands of players, hosted high-profile tournaments, and popularized poker as a skill-based game.
The platform has been home to both recreational players and professionals. It offers cash games, sit-and-go formats, and multi-table tournaments. Its impact on the Indian poker industry is unmatched, influencing many new poker platforms in the country.
Adda52 Sale: A Strategic Acquisition
The acquisition will take place in two key phases. First, HDW will acquire a controlling 51% stake in DGL through a cash-and-stock deal. This involves a cash payout of ₹34.8 crore and an equity swap with HDW shares. In the second phase, DGL will merge entirely into HDW, allowing Delta Corp to retain a 5.7% stake in the combined entity. The merger is expected to be finalized by June 30, 2026.
Why HDW Acquired Adda52?
HDW, which operates A23—India’s leading rummy and poker brand with over 75 million users—views this acquisition as a key opportunity to expand in the skill-based gaming sector.
“With this acquisition, we will integrate Adda52’s poker ecosystem with our gaming platforms. This synergy will allow us to enhance the gaming experience for poker enthusiasts across India,” said an HDW spokesperson.
Impact on India’s Real-Money Gaming Industry
This acquisition is a major development for India’s real-money gaming sector. The industry faces regulatory challenges, including a 28% goods and services tax on online gaming. As companies seek stability, strategic mergers like this will support long-term growth.
The sale of Adda52 highlights a larger trend of consolidation in the Indian poker industry. In 2023, Nazara Technologies acquired a 47.7% stake in PokerBaazi’s parent company, Moonshine Technology Pvt Ltd, for ₹982 crore. This signals an industry-wide shift where major gaming companies are reshaping the landscape.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Adda52 by Head Digital Works is a pivotal moment for India’s online poker and real-money gaming sector. This deal strengthens HDW’s competitive position and signifies a new wave of industry consolidation.
For poker enthusiasts and industry stakeholders, this merger promises a more dynamic and engaging gaming experience. As the deal unfolds, the Indian online gaming industry is poised for further transformation.
Keep following pokerbol for updates as they unfold
Sources
- Delta Corp sells Adda52 parent firm to Head Digital Works for ₹491 crore
- Canadian PE firm Clairvest-controlled A23 to buy Delta’s online poker arm Adda52
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