Google has submitted a comprehensive proposal to modify its Play Store and advertising policies in India, aiming to permit a broader range of real-money gaming (RMG) apps on its platform. The move is part of an effort to resolve an antitrust investigation triggered by a complaint from Indian gaming company WinZO.
India’s competition authority has issued a public notice seeking feedback on Google’s proposed changes. The tech company has suggested replacing its limited pilot program with a broader policy that would allow all real-money games declared by developers as legally compliant under Indian laws and court rulings—to be listed on the Play Store.
To qualify, developers would need to provide certification from a credible third-party authority confirming that the game is one of skill rather than chance. This could include recognized industry bodies such as the All India Gaming Federation, E-Gaming Federation, or Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports.
Google first allowed select RMG apps like fantasy sports and rummy in India through a 2022 pilot program, following a Supreme Court ruling that identified such games as legal games of skill. However, WinZO challenged the pilot for being exclusionary, prompting a formal inquiry by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in late 2023.
In January 2024, Google announced plans to expand RMG support in India, Brazil, and Mexico, but paused the rollout by June, maintaining access only for apps from the 2022 pilot. The current proposal aims to extend eligibility to all self-declared skill-based games and reflect these changes in Google’s Developer Program Policies.
Additionally, Google has proposed updates to its advertising policies. Under the new framework, certified games of skill would be allowed to run advertisements in India, provided they meet the outlined compliance requirements.
If approved by the CCI, Google plans to implement the Play Store changes within 120 days and advertising updates within 150 days of the green light. A business model for monetization of RMG apps is also in development.
A Google representative expressed optimism, stating that the proposal reflects ongoing discussions with Indian regulators and developers, and reinforces the company’s commitment to a more open and secure ecosystem for RMG apps.
This policy shift could benefit both Google and game developers. For Google, the changes would open new revenue streams through app listings and ads. For developers, especially those currently distributing their games through alternative means like APK downloads, it offers an opportunity to reach users via the official Play Store.
Real-money gaming represents the lion’s share of India’s online gaming industry, contributing nearly 86% of the sector’s ₹274 billion ($3 billion) revenue in 2024. While its dominance is expected to slightly reduce to 80% by 2029, the market is projected to nearly triple in size, reaching ₹785 billion ($8.9 billion).
Despite this proposal, the CCI’s investigation into potential discriminatory practices by Google remains active. The outcome of the probe could have broader implications, as the tech giant continues to face regulatory scrutiny in India over its market practices related to Android and the Play Store. One such case is currently pending a hearing before the Supreme Court.
Google reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with regulators and the gaming community, expressing confidence that its new framework will foster innovation, support Indian developers, and maintain user safety.
