Chennai: WinZO, a vernacular skill-gaming platform, is collaborating with professors from institutions like IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, Stanford University, and California State University to address the challenge of distinguishing games of skill from games of chance in the gaming industry. This collaboration establishes a scientific methodology to accurately differentiate between skill-based and chance-based gaming activities, enhancing transparency and fairness in the industry. The initiative aims to provide a solution to the ongoing concerns about the independence of proposed Self-Regulatory Bodies (SRBs) in India's online gaming sector.WinZO's collaboration with global experts focuses on developing a scientific model that can be applied universally without accessing proprietary data or violating intellectual property rights. The platform's goal is to democratize the assessment of games based on skill, empowering startups and reducing financial challenges. Paavan Nanda, co-founder of WinZO, emphasizes the importance of a transparent methodology for determining skill in games, reflecting the company's commitment to scientific rigor and collaboration.The collaboration has resulted in statistical tests utilizing real game data and user behavior from over 100 million users, leading to the creation of a pioneering methodology to distinguish skill from chance. The initiative aims to reduce compliance burden for the online gaming sector and address regulatory challenges.The research includes six empirical tests, examining player-expected payoffs, predictability of payoffs, correlation of player returns over time, and markers like intentional game loss and player performance improvement. These tests, applied to billions of gameplays across 100 games, provide a comprehensive understanding of skill versus chance dynamics. The results, validated through the Bayesian approach, offer valuable insights for the gaming industry and policymakers.In addition to this initiative, WinZO has partnered with institutions like IIT-Delhi, Delhi Technological University, Netaji Subhash University of Technology, and IIITD to launch a cybersecurity program, Code Health and Security Evaluation (CHASE). This program aims to invest in and develop open-source technology and best practices for protecting against cyber threats.WinZO, launched in 2018, is the largest interactive entertainment platform in India with over 175 million registered users. The platform facilitates over 4 billion micro-transactions per month across a portfolio of 100+ games. WinZO envisions building a vibrant gaming community in Tier 2–5 cities in India, monetized through a unique micro-transaction model. The company has raised $100 million in series-C funding from gaming and entertainment investors.