In a significant move aimed at resolving an ongoing antitrust investigation, Google has proposed major amendments to its Play Store and advertising policies in India. The proposed changes, submitted as a “commitment” under the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) antitrust framework, are intended to facilitate broader distribution and promotion of real-money gaming (RMG) applications in the country.
The proposal, disclosed in a public notice by the CCI on 31 July, would replace Google’s existing 2022 pilot programme—previously limited to daily fantasy sports and rummy—with a more inclusive framework. Under the revised policy, all RMG apps that developers self-declare as legally permissible under Indian law and jurisprudence would be eligible for distribution on Google Play.
To ensure compliance and legitimacy, developers would be required to provide validation from an “authoritative third-party” confirming that the app qualifies as a game of skill. Google has identified key industry bodies such as the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), E-Gaming Federation (EGF), and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) as potential validators.
The changes come in response to a legal challenge filed by local gaming platform WinZO in 2022, which alleged discriminatory practices in Google’s pilot programme. The CCI subsequently initiated a formal investigation into the matter in November 2023.
“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,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement to TechCrunch.
Beyond distribution, the proposed framework also includes revisions to Google’s Developer Programme Policies and the introduction of new business models tailored to support Indian RMG developers. Furthermore, Google has indicated it will allow advertising of validated skill-based RMG apps across its platforms.
“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 prioritise user safety,” the spokesperson added.
The CCI has opened the proposal for public consultation and is inviting comments until 15 August 2025. A final decision on whether to accept Google’s commitments will be made thereafter.
Recent Random Post:
