Google Plans to Expand Real-Money Games Availability on Google Play Store in India
In a noteworthy development, Google has put forth a comprehensive proposal aimed at revising its Play Store and advertising policies in India, with the primary objective of facilitating wider access for real-money gaming applications. This move is intended to settle an ongoing antitrust case with local online gaming platform WinZO.
On Wednesday, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) released a public notice inviting comments on Google’s “commitment proposal,” which outlines expansions to its Play Store and advertising policy for real-money gaming apps in the South Asian market.
Google’s proposed amendments include the replacement of the existing pilot program, enabling the distribution of all self-declared real-money games on Google Play, provided that these apps have been deemed “games of skill” by an authoritative third party. Developers are expected to submit proof of this declaration.
The company initially launched a pilot program in September 2022, allowing daily fantasy sports and rummy games on its Play Store in India following a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that classified fantasy sports as “games of skill” rather than gambling. However, this program was criticized by online gaming platform WinZO for alleged discrimination against other real-money games, leading to a complaint filed with the Delhi High Court and an ensuing investigation by the CCI.
Google announced in January 2023 its intention to expand support for real-money gaming apps on the Play Store in India, Brazil, and Mexico. However, this expansion was subsequently paused in June 2024, with Google stating that it would continue to allow apps included in the 2022 India pilot to remain on the platform.
In addition to expanding its Play Store offerings for self-declared real-money games, Google has proposed updates to its Developer Program Policies and plans to finalize an “appropriate business model” for real-money game developers. The company also intends to allow “games of skill” to be advertised in India, with proof provided by a third party that the app is indeed a game of skill and not gambling.
Recognized third parties in this context could potentially include industry associations such as the All India Gaming Federation, E-Gaming Federation, or the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports. Google expects to implement these changes on its Play Store within 120 days of CCI approval, while related ad policy adjustments are anticipated within 150 days of the regulator’s order.
“We are pleased that the CCI is market testing our proposed framework for real-money games (RMGs) in India,” a Google spokesperson stated in a statement. “This development reflects our constructive discussions with the CCI and the Indian developer community, along with our commitment to building a more open and safe ecosystem for RMG apps across Google Play and Google Ads.”
If accepted by the CCI following public feedback, this proposal could potentially generate revenue for Google from a broader range of real-money gaming apps and their advertisements on its platforms. Real-money gaming currently dominates India’s online gaming market, accounting for approximately 86% of total industry revenue in 2024, according to a joint report by WinZO and the Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC) released earlier this year.
This proposal could also potentially benefit developers currently distributing their apps outside the Play Store, such as via APK files on their own websites. However, the CCI’s investigation into Google’s practices remains ongoing, with the regulator yet to determine whether Google has engaged in discriminatory practices in this space.
The current proposal adds to a growing list of antitrust challenges for Google in India, where the U.S.-headquartered tech giant has already been fined for allegedly abusing its dominance through Android and the Play Store. Google recently approached the Supreme Court to appeal one of these rulings and contest the CCI’s findings. The case is expected to be listed for hearing next month.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the CCI and the wider RMG ecosystem, and are confident our proposed framework will empower Indian developers, grow the digital economy, and prioritize user safety,” Google’s spokesperson added.
