Google Proposes To Open Up Play Store In India For Real-Money Gaming Apps

Google has proposed changes to its Play Store and advertising policies for a larger number of India’s real-money gaming (RMG) apps in response to an ongoing antitrust probe by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) related to the tech major’s alleged abuse of dominance in the RMG ecosystem.

The CCI’s antitrust probe launched in November 2024, stems from a complaint filed by Delhi-based RMG platform Winzo.

The CCI had sought stakeholder comments on Google’s commitment application pertaining to the alleged exclusion of certain RMG apps from Google Play and the selective onboarding of daily fantasy sports and rummy apps, thereby distorting the competitive landscape.

In its application, Google proposed to replace the current “pilot program” by allowing distribution of all RMGs – self-declared by developers as permissible online real-money games as per applicable laws – on Google Play in India.

“To demonstrate that their app is legally permissible, developers will be required to submit proof that the app is in good standing with a reputable and authoritative third-party body that has demonstrated to Google’s reasonable satisfaction that it meets certain criteria and which has been recognised in Google’s policies as acceptable,” the application said.

The company also indicated that it will update its advertising policies to allow ads for ‘games of skill’ in India as long as developers furnish certification from third-party bodies that they are not ‘games of chance’ or gambling apps.

As part of a pilot programme launched in 2022, Google only allowed apps in the daily fantasy sports (DFS) and Rummy categories to be hosted on Play Store. While the pilot was supposed to last for a year, these two categories of RMG apps have remained on the app store.

Commenting on CCI’s probe into the matter, a WinZO spokesperson said, “We are grateful to the CCI for its continued commitment to fostering a fair, open, and thriving digital ecosystem. WinZO remains committed to seeing this through—for the innovators, for the ecosystem, and for India.”

Walk Back On WinZO Accusations On Google

Over a year ago, Google paused its plans to expand and allow new kinds of RMGs list on the Play Store in India and globally, citing the absence of a central licensing framework and the complexities in developing an appropriate monetisation model.

The tech giant initially had plans to launch its expanded RMG support to developers for their users in India, Mexico and Brazil in June last year.

Following which, WinZO raised a complaint in November, where Google was accused of abusing its dominant position in the app store and digital advertising markets, alleging that its policies unfairly harm RMG apps.

Further, WinZO pointed to changes in Google Ads policies that restrict advertising to only DFS and Rummy apps. This, it argued, denies other gaming platforms access to a major advertising channel, limiting their reach and growth opportunities.

The spokesperson mentioned that India is home to nearly 20% of the world’s gamers and has pioneered micro-transaction–driven models that now account for over 85% of online gaming revenues.

“Yet, Google’s discriminatory conduct has sidelined this wave of innovation, offering legacy Fantasy and Rummy platforms an unfair head start in access, trust, and capital. This has stifled one of Digital India’s most dynamic sectors, built on creativity, entrepreneurship, and inclusion,” the person added.

Real Money Gaming Caught In Web Of Uncertainty In India

The absence of clear guidelines from the Centre or centralised regulations has been the biggest drawback for the gaming industry, as it continues to grapple with uncertainty, with several states bringing disparate regulations to address online betting and gambling.

So far, states such as Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have been introducing guidelines to prevent and penalise public gambling, keeping of common gambling houses, betting in sports or elections, match fixing or spot fixing in sports.

India’s gaming market is anticipated to grow to $9.2 Bn by FY29, based on a report from New Delhi-based venture capital firm Lumikai. As of FY24, the gaming market stood at $3.8 Bn.

The post Google Proposes To Open Up Play Store In India For Real-Money Gaming Apps appeared first on Inc42 Media.