Google Considers Allowing Real Money Games on Play Store

In November 2024, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) launched a probe against Google following a complaint by Winzo Games Pvt Ltd. The allegation was centered around Google’s discriminatory practices in hosting Real Money Games (RMGs) on its Play Store, particularly the selective onboarding of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummy apps.

The complaint highlighted that such selective inclusion leads to denial of market access for other RMG apps and distorts healthy competition in the digital gaming sector.

Google’s Response: Commitment Proposal Submitted

In an effort to address the anti-competitive concerns raised by CCI, Google has submitted a commitment proposal. This includes the Play Commitment Proposal and the Ads Commitment Proposal, aimed at ensuring fair and inclusive access to both Google Play and Google Ads platforms.

According to Google, the proposals are designed to:

• Remove any alleged competitive disadvantages faced by RMG developers

• Standardize policies for app distribution and advertising

• Foster a level playing field across the gaming ecosystem

Distribution of Real Money Games: Major Policy Shift

As part of the commitment, Google has proposed to end its current pilot program, which only allowed select DFS and Rummy apps, and instead allow all Real Money Games that are self-declared by developers as permissible under Indian laws and jurisprudence.

This means any developer whose game qualifies as a legitimate RMG in India can list it on the Google Play Store, potentially transforming the mobile gaming landscape.

Google Ads Policy Update: Ads for Games of Skill

In addition to Play Store policies, Google plans to relax its advertising policies by allowing ads for games of skill on Google Ads in India—provided the following conditions are met:

• Advertisers must prove that they are in good standing with a recognized third-party certifier

• The certifier must validate that the game being advertised qualifies as a game of skill under Indian law

• Advertisers must fully comply with Google Ads policies

This change is seen as a significant step toward ensuring transparency and fairness in online gaming promotions.

Clarification on Payment Warnings and RBI Guidelines

Google has also addressed concerns about payment warnings, clarifying that such alerts are:

• Developer-agnostic and not targeted at specific apps or categories

• Applied uniformly to all apps and transactions

• In line with the mandates issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)

The company emphasized that these warnings are for user protection and are triggered based on objective risk parameters, irrespective of the app’s distribution channel or business model.

Public Consultation: Feedback Invited Until August 20

In line with regulatory practices, the CCI has opened the floor for public comments on Google’s commitment proposal. Stakeholders, developers, and the general public can submit feedback by August 20, which will help the watchdog make an informed decision on whether the proposal effectively addresses the anti-competition concerns.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for India’s Gaming Ecosystem

Google’s willingness to allow real money games on Play Store and permit their promotion via Google Ads marks a significant shift in India’s app ecosystem. If accepted, the proposal could open up the market to new entrants, encourage innovation, and ensure fairer competition across the digital gaming sector.