Google has proposed significant changes to its Play Store and advertising policies in India, aiming to allow more real-money gaming apps on its platforms. This move is part of an effort to settle an ongoing antitrust case with the local online gaming platform WinZO.
India’s competition watchdog recently issued a public notice inviting comments on Google’s “commitment proposal,” which seeks to expand access to the Play Store and advertising policies for real-money gaming apps in the country. Under the proposal, Google would permit the distribution of all real-money games in India, provided developers self-declare their apps as permissible under applicable laws. However, developers must also submit proof from an authoritative third-party body certifying their app as a “game of skill.”
In September 2022, Google launched a pilot program allowing daily fantasy sports and rummy games on the Play Store in India. This followed a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that classified fantasy sports as “games of skill,” making them legal. Shortly after the pilot’s announcement, WinZO filed a complaint with the Delhi High Court, calling the program discriminatory for excluding other real-money games. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) took up the case and ordered a formal probe into Google’s policies in November of last year.
Earlier this year, Google announced plans to expand support for real-money gaming apps in India, Brazil, and Mexico. However, the company paused this rollout in June 2024, stating it would continue allowing apps already included in the 2022 India pilot to remain on the platform.
Google’s latest proposal includes updating its Developer Program Policies to reflect these changes and finalizing an appropriate business model for real-money game developers. The company also proposed allowing “games of skill” to be advertised in India, provided developers submit third-party proof that their app qualifies as such. Recognized third parties could include industry associations like the All India Gaming Federation or the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports.
If approved by the CCI, Google would begin allowing compliant real-money games on the Play Store in India within 120 days, with related ad policy changes taking effect within 150 days. A Google spokesperson stated that the proposal reflects constructive discussions with the CCI and the developer community, emphasizing the company’s commitment to a more open and safe ecosystem for real-money gaming apps.
The proposal could benefit Google by enabling it to earn revenue from a broader range of real-money gaming apps and their ads. Real-money gaming dominates India’s online gaming market, accounting for nearly 86% of the industry’s $3 billion revenue in 2024. However, its share is expected to decline slightly to 80% by 2029 as non-real-money games gain popularity.
Google’s proposal may also help developers currently distributing apps outside the Play Store, such as through APK files on their own websites. However, the CCI’s investigation is ongoing, and the regulator has yet to determine whether Google engaged in discriminatory practices.
This case adds to Google’s antitrust challenges in India, where the company has already faced fines for allegedly abusing its dominance through Android and the Play Store. Google recently approached the Supreme Court to appeal one of these rulings, with the case expected to be heard next month.
Google’s spokesperson expressed optimism about the proposal, stating it would empower Indian developers, grow the digital economy, and prioritize user safety. The CCI’s final decision will depend on public feedback and further deliberations.